Democracy in Somalia

Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has pushed through controversial constitutional reforms giving him sweeping powers—like the ability to appoint the prime minister without parliamentary oversight—triggering a major backlash. Semi-autonomous regions such as Puntland and Jubaland rejected the changes. Puntland immediately withdrew its recognition of the federal government, and Jubaland followed suit shortly after, suspending ties and deepening political fragmentation. In Jubaland, incumbent leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) was re-elected to a third term through a regional vote deemed illegitimate by Mogadishu. The federal government responded by issuing an arrest warrant for Madobe, who struck back with a reciprocal warrant for President Mohamud. Escalating tensions led to military clashes—particularly at Ras Kamboni—highlighting the depths of the constitutional and territorial crisis.