Senator, a member of the Upper House of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, has staged a protest inside the chamber, declaring that his term has expired and accusing the government of operating illegally. The Senator, who represents Puntland, claimed that the government no longer has the authority to pass new laws and that its only legitimate role is to consult on preparations for elections.
The protest, though carried out by a single senator, has highlighted the growing political tension between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland administration.
Senator Qaybdiid, a former member of the constitutional review and monitoring committee, was elected to the Upper House in 2016.
The Senator argued that the parliamentary term has ended, and the President’s term expired on 15 May 2026. According to him, the government cannot create new legislation and must instead focus on consultations to prepare for elections. He accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of overstepping his constitutional duties, stating: “The President no longer holds a valid mandate. He was given a four-year term, and that time has now passed.”
Puntland has officially declared that it no longer recognises Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president, arguing that he lacks the legal authority to lead the federal government. The administration has also called on international partners and donors to engage directly with Puntland until a legitimate federal structure is established.
This development comes amid deep political divisions, with Puntland describing Somalia as being in a “transitional period,” while the federal government insists that constitutional amendments have extended presidential terms until 2027.
The post Somali Senator Calls for Elections first appeared on Radio Dalsan.