A Djiboutian opposition politician has accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of undermining Somalia’s federal system, claiming Mogadishu’s policies have exacerbated political divisions and eroded confidence in federal institutions.
In a social media statement Monday, Alexis Mohamed Gueldon stated that constitutional amendments, political conflicts, and deteriorating relations between the federal government and certain federal member states have damaged the credibility of Somalia’s federal model.
According to Gueldon, these tensions have diminished political and institutional trust, complicating efforts to enhance national unity.
“The political standoff between Mogadishu and Puntland exemplifies how differing perspectives on the nation’s governance and power-sharing arrangements are intensifying divisions,” Gueldon commented.
His remarks come during an ongoing dispute between Somalia’s federal government and Puntland regarding constitutional changes, elections, and power-sharing. Puntland has rejected constitutional amendments passed by Somalia’s parliament, asserting they were implemented without adequate consultation and threatened the nation’s federal structure. This disagreement led Puntland to suspend its cooperation with the federal government.
Gueldon maintained that prolonged political disagreements have cast doubt on the stability and transparency of federal government institutions, impacting both domestic and international confidence in Mogadishu’s leadership.
He also noted that while the United States continues to formally acknowledge Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, Washington has increased collaboration with Somaliland in security, economic, and diplomatic spheres. Gueldon suggested such engagement indicates how some international partners are pursuing alternative relationships amidst Somalia’s political uncertainty.
Gueldon argued that diminishing political and institutional trust in the federal government has inadvertently bolstered Somaliland’s position for international recognition. He emphasized that Mogadishu must restore cooperation and trust among various governmental levels to safeguard Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Somalia’s federal government has justified its constitutional and electoral reforms as necessary steps toward implementing one-person, one-vote elections and enhancing public participation. Opposition figures and some regional administrations maintain the process lacks consensus and could further destabilize the nation.
Somaliland proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained its own government, security forces, and electoral systems for over three decades. Somalia’s federal government continues to consider Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory.