Parliamentary Setbacks in Somalia: A Call for Responsibility
Mogadishu (AX) — On a day meant for progress, Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament hit yet another snag, as its Monday session was postponed due to insufficient attendance. This disruption not only halted the swearing-in of two new members but also postponed a pivotal vote on a pan-African child rights treaty, leaving many to wonder: what lies behind this recurring issue?
Only 87 lawmakers showed up, far below the 139 required for a valid quorum under parliamentary regulations. It was intended to be the first meeting after the Eid al-Adha holiday, a time when hope typically flourishes. Yet, this hope quickly faded, replaced with frustration. How many opportunities can a legislative body afford to miss before the public starts losing faith?
Among the postponed items was the ratification of Somalia’s commitment to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child—a significant legal framework adopted by the African Union. This Charter sets vital standards for child protection across the continent, and for many, it epitomizes the kind of progressive governance that citizens yearn for. The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) was also delayed, a simple yet important ritual that symbolizes fresh beginnings. Can we truly call ourselves a resilient democracy if such basic functions are continually sidelined?
This is not the first time that quorum issues have disrupted parliamentary proceedings. In fact, the past year has seen a concerning pattern of delayed sessions, many of which were canceled due to low attendance. Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe has been vocal, expressing his discontent with the situation. During his tenure, he has issued numerous warnings, asserting that some lawmakers are neglecting their constitutional responsibilities.
“This House cannot carry out its responsibilities if members continue to be absent,” said Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Abshirow. He made a clarion call for MPs to attend the rescheduled session scheduled for Wednesday. Yet, amid these appeals, the question lingers: what accountability measures are in place to ensure attendance? Why is it that responsibility seems to slip through the fingers of those entrusted with representing the people?
The issue of absenteeism is longstanding. At the beginning of 2023, the Speaker castigated repeated absences and suggested that the Parliamentary Ethics Committee look into chronic no-shows. Disturbingly, during the discussions surrounding the national budget, attendance fell embarrassingly short, prompting delays that underlined an apparent disregard for the legislative process. When the budget passed, a staggering 138 MPs had opted out of voting altogether. What message does this send to the citizens who rely on these representatives for effective governance?
According to the Somali constitution, a two-thirds majority—184 MPs—is required for valid proceedings. Unfortunately, Parliament has repeatedly failed to meet this benchmark, with some gatherings collapsing after witnessing less than 120 MPs in attendance. And despite numerous calls for accountability, no effective mechanisms exist to penalize those who choose to be absent or to demand justifiable reasons for their nonattendance.
This climate of impunity has left many citizens disheartened. A 2016 report by Hiiraan Online revealed that absenteeism in the 9th Parliament was unacceptably high, ranging from 66% to 94% among the worst offenders. Alarmingly, no attendance records for subsequent parliaments have been made available to the public, leaving the populace in the dark. How can trust be rebuilt when transparency is so painfully lacking?
In the months leading up to the current crisis, political unrest has added further strain to parliamentary proceedings. A session in February was disrupted with attendance just two members shy of the quorum, igniting speculation of a tactical boycott by opposition MPs aimed at blocking a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Similar tensions unfolded in May, when another session failed as Speaker Madobe faced accusations of mismanagement, with calls for his removal growing louder.
The fragility of Parliament is compounded by factors beyond political infighting. Just last month, heavy rains transformed the streets of Mogadishu into torrents, ceasing transport and forcing yet another session to be canceled. This blend of natural and political disruptions raises an unsettling question: how can a governing body flourish amid such chaos?
A new session is now set for Wednesday, and once again, parliamentary leaders are calling for attendance. Yet, they face a crossroads: without meaningful reform to address absenteeism and resolve political rivalries, it seems likely that parliamentary meetings will continue to unravel before they even begin. Can genuine reform lead to a stronger, more accountable Parliament, or are we destined to witness the same patterns of dysfunction persist?
In this moment of uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Somali people deserve a Parliament that operates with commitment and transparency. The road ahead may be challenging, but with collective effort and accountability, we can create a legislative environment that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all citizens.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
