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Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declined Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s resignation offer amid escalating political tensions surrounding Somalia’s election process. PM Barre reportedly offered to resign due to disagreements over the upcoming election timetable, which has stirred disputes among federal and regional officials.
Barre’s resignation offer comes as political leaders face mounting pressure to stabilize the country amid fears of an electoral deadlock that could destabilize the Horn of Africa.
Electoral Timetable Sparks Divisions
Somalia’s electoral timetable has been a point of contention, with opposition leaders and regional states expressing concerns over the federal government’s timeline for the next parliamentary and presidential elections. President Hassan Sheikh’s administration recently announced that direct elections would be held in 2025—the first in more than five decades—despite backlash from several key regional leaders.
PM Barre has been a strong supporter of the government’s proposed timeline, but growing opposition from the states of Puntland and Jubaland has complicated efforts to unify the nation’s leadership around a single plan. Both regions have officially severed ties with the federal government, intensifying the political standoff.
Regional States Reject Federal Mandates
The tensions were further inflamed by Jubaland’s decision this week to cut formal cooperation with the federal government, following Puntland’s similar stance in August. This divide has highlighted Somalia’s ongoing struggle to balance federal and regional powers, an issue that continues to challenge the nation’s unity.
President Hassan Sheikh reportedly urged PM Barre to stay in office, arguing that his leadership is vital to navigating the country through this contentious period. Sources close to the president’s office suggest that Hassan Sheikh is prioritizing a collaborative approach to resolve election disputes, though his opponents argue that the government has not sufficiently addressed regional leaders’ concerns.
Calls for National Unity
President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has emphasized the need for national unity, urging regional leaders to work alongside the federal government. However, opposition leaders argue that the federal government’s electoral plans do not adequately represent all stakeholders and may favor particular interests.
As Somalia gears up for elections in 2025, political analysts warn that sustained discord between federal and regional leaders could impact not only the election process but also the country’s broader stability and efforts to rebuild.