Garowe (Dawan Africa) – Puntland State of Somalia has voiced strong support for the Somali Salvation Forum (SSF), backing that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud must step down when his mandate ends on May 15, 2026.
The opposition-aligned faction of the Salvation Forum stated on Sunday that “no mandate extension will be accepted beyond May 15, 2026.” Puntland echoed this position in an official statement, stressing that Somalia’s political future depends on adherence to the 2012 Provisional Constitution and timely elections.
“The Puntland Government endorses the communiqué issued today by the Salvation Forum and reiterates its position that the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, whose term ends on May 15, 2026, must relinquish power,” the statement read.
The statement highlighted that the President has a constitutional duty to prepare the country for a peaceful transition, ensuring that both parliamentary and presidential elections are conducted under the 2012 legal framework. Puntland also underscored that national stability requires inclusive dialogue and broad political consensus.
Puntland also supported that the president to relinquish power and heed the counsel of the country’s political stakeholders in order to reach an inclusive agreement.
The state remains opposed to recent constitutional amendments and electoral law changes, warning that such moves undermine the agreed political process and threaten Somalia’s democratic transition.