Himilo Qaran Party warns of constitutional crisis as Parliament term ends

Wednesday April 15, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s opposition Himilo Qaran party on Tuesday raised alarm over the country’s political and constitutional direction after the federal parliament’s term expired.

In a statement, the party said the House of the People’s mandate officially ended on April 14, 2026, in line with Article 60 of the Provisional Constitution, describing the date as a defining test for governance and respect for the rule of law.

“Protecting the term limits of government institutions is the most important pillar of constitutional governance and the rule of law,” the statement said, adding that the Federal Parliament’s four-year term starts on the day members are sworn in.

Himilo Qaran cautioned that any attempt to extend mandates outside the constitution or pursue unilateral political decisions could weaken Somalia’s governing framework and deepen instability. The party singled out President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, warning that any such unilateral step could jeopardize the constitutional order.

The party called on the president to abide by the constitution and respect political deals built on broad consensus, stressing that elections must take place on time and enjoy wide acceptance. It also urged all political actors to reject term extensions and any electoral process that is incomplete or contested.

Himilo Qaran appealed to parties and leaders across the country to work together to protect the constitutional system and forge an inclusive political settlement aimed at avoiding conflict and unrest.

The warning comes as political tensions rise after federal parliament approved constitutional amendments before its term expired. Those changes extend the terms of federal institutions, including the presidency, from four years to five, with the federal government arguing the shift is needed to support a transition to one-person, one-vote elections.

Puntland State and Jubbaland authorities, along with several opposition groups including Himilo Qaran, have rejected the amendments. They argue that the current Provisional Constitution, which sets four-year terms, remains the only arrangement with legal and political legitimacy unless it is changed through a nationwide consensus process.