By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 16 May 2026 — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia’s amended constitution clearly defines the term of the federal government as five years, amid continuing political debate over constitutional reforms and the country’s electoral transition.
The president made the remarks on Friday during celebrations marking the 83rd anniversary of Somali Youth Day, where he defended the government’s constitutional reform agenda and its push toward one-person, one-vote elections.
“The amended constitution clearly states that the government’s term is five years. I did not write it,” Hassan Sheikh said.
He added that the mandates of both the Federal Government and the Federal Parliament would expire on May 15, 2027.
“The term of the Federal Parliament of Somalia and the Federal Government of Somalia, headed by the president, ends on May 15, 2027,” he said.
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Hassan Sheikh also said implementation of the amended constitution had already begun, adding that changes to the structure of government formed part of the new constitutional framework.
“Its implementation has started. Those who said the executive and parliament should be separated will see that separation happen,” he said.
The president’s remarks come as political tensions continue over constitutional amendments, electoral reforms and Somalia’s broader political transition process.
Some opposition groups have expressed concerns over the constitutional changes and the government’s electoral approach. Opposition figures said talks between the federal government and the opposition Somali Future Council collapsed on Friday after three days of discussions in Mogadishu mediated by members of the international community.
Somalia has long operated under a political system based on elite political agreements and indirect elections, while the current administration says it seeks to transition the country toward direct elections based on universal suffrage.