Somali Opposition Rejects Approval of Constitution as Two Ministers Resign

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia’s opposition coalition under the Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka Soomaaliya) has rejected the constitutional amendments approved by the Federal Parliament, warning that the process could deepen the country’s political crisis and undermine the constitutional order.

In a statement issued in Mogadishu on Wednesday, the opposition said the amendments to the Provisional Constitution were passed in violation of constitutional procedures, parliamentary rules and the legal requirements governing constitutional changes. The group argued that the process did not meet the required approval threshold and lacked broad political consensus.

The council said the constitution is the foundation of Somalia’s statehood and should not be altered through unilateral political decisions. It also alleged that more than 50 lawmakers were prevented from participating in parliamentary sessions and raised concerns over what it described as violations of the rights of the federal member states of Puntland and Jubaland.

The response comes as two federal ministers from Puntland tendered their resignation following the passage of the supreme law. Aynaashe Yusuf Hussein, the state minister for labour and the state minister for petroleum Ismail Buraale- both serving MPs resigned shortly after the parliamentary vote terming the move as ‘betrayal of trust.’

The opposition placed responsibility for the process on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing his administration of pushing through the amendments despite serious political and legal concerns.

According to the statement, proceeding with constitutional changes under the current circumstances could expose Somalia to a range of risks, including human rights concerns, growing political divisions and security threats that could weaken ongoing efforts against extremist groups. The council also warned that the process could increase geopolitical pressures on the country.

The opposition called on federal member states, political stakeholders and parliamentary leaders to defend what it described as the constitutional order and the rule of law. It also urged traditional elders, religious scholars, women, youth leaders and members of the Somali diaspora to oppose the amendments and support the protection of the existing constitutional framework.

In addition, the group appealed to the international community to closely monitor the situation and ensure that any constitutional reform in Somalia follows lawful procedures, broad political dialogue and inclusive participation.

The council reiterated that the 2012 Provisional Constitution remains the legal foundation of Somalia’s federal system, including the distribution of powers, the parliamentary structure and the electoral framework. It said any amendments should only be carried out through a transparent process that respects legal procedures and political consensus.

The statement comes a day after Somalia’s Federal Parliament approved amendments to the Provisional Constitution, a move that has intensified tensions between the federal government, opposition leaders and some federal member states.