By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, 1 August 2026 — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told Parliament on Thursday that Somalia will use all available means to prevent Israel from establishing a presence in the country.
The remarks came during the opening of the eighth session of the Federal Parliament in a speech that lasted nearly 51 minutes. The president addressed both houses on constitutional reform, the electoral process, higher education, and his administration’s legislative record, and criticized some opposition politicians.
On Israel, Hassan Sheikh said the government would rely on strength, strategy, and diplomacy to block what he described as any attempt to establish an Israeli presence or foothold in Somalia.
On constitutional reform, he said completing the constitution was a task left unfinished by previous administrations and parliaments. He noted that the 11th Parliament has two sessions remaining — the ninth and tenth — to complete its legislative agenda.
The president also announced plans to establish a second public university to operate alongside the Somali National University, as part of efforts to expand access to higher education.
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On elections, Hassan Sheikh said the electoral law is now in force and is no longer legislation awaiting implementation. He said Somalis would begin operating under the new legal framework.
He also accused some opposition politicians of advancing the interests of foreign countries rather than Somalia’s national interests. He did not name the individuals.
The opening of the eighth session comes nearly five months after the seventh session concluded on March 4. During that session, lawmakers passed 13 bills and held 58 sittings, the highest number of parliamentary sessions since the 11th Federal Parliament was inaugurated.
The seventh session was also marked by Parliament’s approval of amendments to several chapters of the Provisional Constitution, a move that sparked political debate and drew differing reactions from government and opposition groups.