Chaos Erupts in Somali Parliament Over Proposed Constitutional Amendments

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: A tense joint session of Somalia’s two parliamentary chambers ended in chaos on Wednesday after sharp disagreements over proposed amendments to the Provisional Constitution escalated into physical confrontations inside the chamber.

The meeting, held at Villa Hargeisa, was convened to discuss proposed changes to Articles 5 through 9 of the Provisional Constitution that had recently been submitted to parliamentary leadership. However, a group of lawmakers opposed to the amendments blocked the session from formally opening, arguing that the current parliamentary session had effectively expired and could not legally introduce new legislation.

The standoff quickly deteriorated into disorder. Video footage circulating from inside the chamber showed lawmakers exchanging blows amid shouting and confusion.

Parliamentary leaders were unable to restore order, prompting the Speaker of the House of the People, Adan Mohamed Nur (Adan Madoobe), to leave the chamber. He later warned that strict disciplinary measures would be taken against lawmakers who disrupted the proceedings.

Lawmakers opposing the constitutional amendments insisted that parliamentary rules do not allow new bills to be tabled with only one day remaining in the session. MP Dahir Amin Jesow accused the parliamentary leadership and the executive of pushing the constitutional process unlawfully, saying responsibility for any consequences would lie with the Speaker and the presidency.