Somalia’s President Outlines Election Plans, Security Transition, and Somaliland-Israel Concerns in Parliament Address

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud used the opening of the eighth session of the Federal Parliament on Saturday to outline his administration’s priorities, addressing elections, constitutional reforms, national security, higher education, and the government’s opposition to what he described as Israel’s efforts to establish a lasting influence in Somaliland.
In his address, the president said the Federal Government was employing diplomatic and political measures to prevent Israel from gaining what he described as a permanent foothold in Somaliland, adding that the issue remained a key priority for his administration.
On government accountability, Hassan Sheikh announced that any Somali government official detained abroad while travelling on a Somali passport would be immediately dismissed from office.
“Any government official who is arrested in another country while carrying a Somali passport will be removed from office immediately,” the president said.
Turning to domestic politics, the president said Somalia’s National Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission had benefited from the experience of Somaliland’s electoral commission as preparations continue for the country’s electoral process.
He also criticized sections of the political opposition, saying his administration would not accept what he described as “unrealistic agreements” among opposition leaders. He stressed that political disputes should be resolved through dialogue and constitutional and legal mechanisms.
Hassan Sheikh reminded lawmakers that the 11th Federal Parliament has only two constitutional sessions remaining, underscoring the need to complete pending legislative and constitutional responsibilities before the end of its mandate.
On security, the president said Somalia was steadily building a self-reliant national security force capable of assuming greater responsibility as African Union forces gradually reduce their presence in the country.
He said the government remained committed to strengthening the Somali National Army to ensure the country can independently safeguard its security.
The president also announced plans to expand access to free public higher education. He said the Somali National University is currently the country’s only tuition-free public university but revealed that the government intends to open a second state-owned university in the near future.
The speech comes as Somalia’s Parliament begins its new legislative session amid intense political debate over constitutional amendments, the electoral process, security reforms, and relations between the Federal Government and various political stakeholders.