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Over 100 MPs accuse the president of violating the constitution, misusing state power, and deepening national divisions amid growing political and public unrest
A group of 103 members from Somalia’s Federal Parliament has come forward, calling on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to resign. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the lawmakers accused the president of serious misconduct, including breaking the constitution, abusing his power, and failing to address the country’s growing problems.
According to the MPs, President Hassan Sheikh has failed in his duties and promises. One major concern was his broken promise made on March 29, 2025, to hold a national dialogue that would bring together political and cultural leaders from across the country. Instead of uniting the nation, they claim the president has made decisions that divide people and weaken national unity.
One of the lawmakers’ biggest complaints is the way the president allegedly dismantled the National Consultative Council (NCC). The NCC was a key forum meant to support dialogue between the federal government and the federal member states. Instead of using it to bring people together, the lawmakers say the president turned it into a political tool that favors his interests. They also say he interfered with the independence of regional governments, especially in Puntland and Jubbaland, which goes against the spirit of federalism.
The MPs also accused the president of weakening key government institutions that are supposed to work independently. They pointed to corruption, misuse of power, secretive deals made without approval, and general poor management. All these, they argue, are violations of the Somali constitution and could be legal reasons to remove him from office.
Another serious concern raised was the growing signs of authoritarian behavior. The lawmakers said the president has been signing secret agreements without involving Parliament, which goes against democratic principles. They also criticized him for using public resources to support his newly formed political party, the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), saying this creates unfair political advantages and misuses government property.
These complaints from Parliament came shortly after a separate statement from 16 well-known Somali political figures. This group includes former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, as well as several former prime ministers. They also criticized President Hassan Sheikh for damaging Somalia’s federal system by making the NCC a partisan platform rather than a neutral space for dialogue and cooperation.
Much of the criticism centers around the creation of the JSP, which is led by President Hassan Sheikh and supported by top government officials. Critics say this new party blurs the line between government and politics. By using public offices and resources to promote the party, they argue, the president is putting politics ahead of national interest, at a time when Somalia is already struggling with serious issues like terrorism from al-Shabaab, economic hardship, and rising public frustration.
Despite these strong accusations and increasing political pressure, President Hassan Sheikh and his office, Villa Somalia, have not officially responded to the MPs’ demands or the concerns raised by former leaders.
This growing tension suggests Somalia is facing a deep political crisis. With national elections and the goal of moving toward universal voting on the horizon, the situation may become even more difficult. If left unresolved, the crisis could slow down or even reverse the progress Somalia has made toward peace, stability, and democracy.