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MOGADISHU, SOMALIA – February 26, 2025 – Somalia’s Parliament failed to hold a session on Wednesday due to a lack of quorum, delaying key legislative proceedings and fueling speculation over a possible no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s government. Only 137 MPs attended, falling just two members short of the required quorum.
Somali’s Speaker’s Warning
Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe condemned the absences, particularly those of lawmakers abroad, warning that repeated failures to attend sessions would result in public disclosure of absentee MPs. He emphasized the need for full participation in legislative duties, stating, “This is a national duty, and it is disgraceful for Parliament to be unable to convene because of a lack of quorum”.
Somali Political Tensions
The collapse of the session comes as political tensions are rising, with reports indicating that opposition MPs had been preparing to table a motion of no confidence against Barre’s government before the meeting was derailed. The failure to meet quorum underscores broader instability within Somalia’s legislative process, which has been marred by absenteeism and partisan gridlock.
Somali Legislative Priorities
The sixth session of Parliament, officially opened by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on February 22, was expected to focus on Somalia’s security situation, counterterrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, and the transition to one-person, one-vote elections. However, political disputes within Parliament have overshadowed these legislative priorities.