Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent speech during the official opening of the 6th session of the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu has garnered mixed reactions. Many praised his focus on key areas such as state-building, national security, economic development, and electoral reforms.
However, his address has also drawn sharp criticism for failing to address several pressing issues of great concern to the Somali public. As the speech unfolded on the morning of February 22, 2025, it became evident that key matters were conspicuously left unaddressed—issues that many citizens had hoped would be tackled head-on by the President.
While the early part of his speech was succinct and well-organized, it soon descended into lengthy and repetitive sections, with some critics accusing the President of indulging in unnecessary detail rather than focusing on critical national matters. Despite these concerns, the session proceeded smoothly, though notably, nearly half of the Members of Parliament were absent.
Federal Relations and the Jubaland Crisis
One of the most pressing issues glaringly absent from President Hassan’s address is the ongoing political impasse between the Federal Government and the Jubaland Administration. This conflict, which has persisted since the early days of the President’s tenure, has severely impacted the people of the Lower Jubba and Gedo regions, causing significant disruption to local communities and hindering free movement.
The Kenyan government, as revealed by its influential Minister for Environment Adan Duale, has made several attempts to mediate between the Somali government and Jubaland, highlighting the region’s strategic importance for Somalia’s stability.
Despite these efforts, the political deadlock persists, further delaying the much-needed electoral reforms. The absence of Jubaland from the National Consultative Council, coupled with Puntland’s initial withdrawal from the dialogue, paints a bleak picture for the future of Somalia’s electoral process.
The Somali public hoped the President would address these ongoing tensions and their impact on the country’s political cohesion. Instead, Hassan Sheikh’s address completely bypassed the issue, leaving many disillusioned and raising questions about his government’s ability to resolve regional disputes.
UAE’s Diplomatic Challenge to Somalia’s Sovereignty
Another critical issue left unmentioned by President Hassan is the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) recent diplomatic maneuver that has raised concerns about Somalia’s sovereignty. In December 2024, the UAE gave high-level recognition to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro) during a conference at which the Somali government delegation was sidelined. This move by the UAE is widely seen as a challenge to Somalia’s territorial integrity, symbolizing a tacit acknowledgment of Somaliland’s self-declared independence.
The UAE’s financial backing of Somaliland’s international media presence further compounds the situation, sending a strong diplomatic signal to the international community that may undermine Somalia’s position regarding Somaliland’s secession. Under former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, the Somali government had taken a firm stance, condemning such actions and defending Somalia’s sovereignty at all costs.
Despite this ongoing diplomatic challenge, President Hassan Sheikh failed to mention the UAE’s actions in his address, missing an opportunity to reaffirm Somalia’s territorial integrity and international standing. For many, this was perceived as a failure to assert Somalia’s sovereignty in the face of external pressures.
The Controversial Sale of Public Land
The issue of land evictions and sales has sparked significant controversy since President Hassan Sheikh resumed office in May 2022. The government’s decision to reclaim government-owned land and evict citizens—some of whom have lived on the land for decades—has ignited a firestorm of criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and the public.
Opposition figures, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and the leader of the Wadajir Party Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, have condemned the evictions, claiming that the process lacks transparency and fairness. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the sale of these lands to private investors and whether the funds generated from these transactions have been properly accounted for.
Although President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has moved forward with the evictions, there has been no clear plan presented to the public regarding the legal framework for these sales or the allocation of funds. Critics argue that the lack of transparency fuels public distrust and exacerbates tensions within Somali society. Many had hoped that President Hassan would provide clarity on the issue during his parliamentary address, but this was another major oversight.
Term Extension for Regional Leaders
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud campaigned on a platform of unity and democratic reforms, promising to hold nationwide public elections. However, tensions between the Federal Government and Federal Member States—particularly Puntland and Jubaland—have complicated this process. These regions have pursued their own elections independent of the Federal Government’s timeline, further undermining efforts to build a cohesive national electoral process.
Additionally, while the President’s speech did touch on the planned one-person, one-vote elections, which many see as a positive step forward, he made no mention of the crucial local government elections scheduled for June 2025. Given the current political climate and the potential for further regional conflicts, many were hoping the President would outline his strategy for ensuring the success of these elections.
Concerns are growing that President Hassan may seek to extend his mandate beyond constitutional limits to maintain control over the regional states. The lack of clarity on local elections and his government’s stance on term extensions has raised fears that the current administration may follow in the footsteps of previous governments that sought to delay democratic processes.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Leadership
As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concluded his speech, the absence of attention to these key issues left many Somali citizens feeling disillusioned. His failure to address ongoing political crises, the diplomatic challenge posed by the UAE, the controversial land sales, and the complex regional dynamics left crucial questions unanswered.
While his speech touched on important topics such as economic development and electoral reforms, the oversight of these sensitive issues highlights a gap between his government’s ambitions and the reality of Somali politics.
As Somalia continues to navigate these complex challenges, President Hassan’s failure to address these four critical issues may have lasting implications for his leadership and the future of the country’s political landscape.
Whether his government can reconcile tensions between regional states, safeguard Somalia’s sovereignty, and provide transparency in governance will be key factors in determining the success or failure of his presidency.