The 6th session of the Somali Federal Parliament officially resumed on Saturday after a recess, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivering a highly anticipated address to Members of the Federal Parliament at the House of the People in Villa Hargeisa. More than half of the parliamentarians from both houses attended the session.
This session attracted considerable attention, with diverse expectations regarding how the President would address the country’s pressing challenges. These challenges included the term extensions for regional leaders in the Federal Member States, the ongoing battle against terrorism, tensions between the Presidency and the Jubaland and Puntland administrations, and the ambiguity surrounding the unilateral election process.
Before the session began, political circles, particularly among opposition members, predicted that the gathering would focus on accountability, where the government would face scrutiny and could not evade the consequences of its recent policies and actions.
The leadership of both the House of the People and the Upper House were seated at the front, while the President took the majority of the speaking time for his eagerly awaited address, thereby dominating the session. There was no debate outside of the official agenda, and the focus remained primarily on the President’s remarks.
This session, which marked one of the last gatherings before the MPs leave office as their terms draw to a close, was characterized by a cordial reception for President Hassan, almost as if it were the inaugural session of his current term.
There was no visible opposition to his speech, which could be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the President appeared to have resolved differences among MPs in the previous 24 hours. Secondly, he employed his diplomatic skills to win over MPs, ensuring he maintained control over parliament. Lastly, the opposition failed to present any meaningful agenda, leaving the session devoid of counterpoints.
While President Hassan’s management of the parliamentary session showcased his political acumen, he neglected to address key national issues that the public had been eagerly anticipating. He did not comment on unresolved conflicts within the country, the need for reconciliation with Jubaland, or the necessity of a clear electoral process — crucial topics that the public had hoped he would discuss.
One significant issue was the ongoing dispute with Jubaland, which began after the election of President Ahmed Mohamed Islam and has resulted in civilian suffering in the region. The President’s speech was expected to clarify the status of this conflict; however, President Hassan Sheikh completely overlooked the issue. Furthermore, he refrained from discussing the humanitarian impact of his government’s policies on civilians in Jubaland, including air blockades.
The President’s address also missed an opportunity to address the broader issues of national unity and strategies for bringing together the diverse regions of Somalia. His failure to acknowledge the hardships faced by displaced individuals or the economic difficulties exacerbated by political decisions led many to question his leadership and vision for the country’s future.
Despite these shortcomings, President Hassan’s speech showcased his ability to control the political narrative, leveraging his position to advance his personal agenda. He neglected critical national concerns, such as the mismanagement of public land and the lack of transparency in oil and gas dealings, as well as defense agreements with eight different countries.
In the end, the session highlighted President Hassan’s ability to navigate parliamentary politics while also revealing his reluctance to confront the most pressing issues facing Somalia today. The opposition’s silence and the President’s failure to address vital national matters left many questioning the direction in which the country is headed.