Somalia MPs Clash Over Disputed Parliament Session

Somalia, 2 February 2026 Tensions rose inside Somalia’s Parliament on Monday as a disputed joint session of the House of the people and Upper House unfolded, marked by heavy police presence and restricted media access, according to lawmakers and video footage circulating online. Opposition MPs inside the hall filmed the proceedings, arguing that the session organized by the Speakers was illegal. Ali Mahdi, an MP, said: “The Parliament is opened illegally, and police were brought in illegally.” Media access to the chamber was blocked, and journalists were prevented from entering the parliamentary hall earlier in the day. Videos shared by opposition lawmakers show a standoff between some MPs and security forces. Some reports indicate that physical clashes occurred, and a lawmaker had to be rushed to hospital. The disputed session follows the suspension of 18 lawmakers, mostly opposition members, by the Speaker of the House of the People Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur ‘Madoobe' on Sunday for allegedly violating parliamentary rules during last Wednesday’s session. Opposition MPs term the joint session illegitimate, while parliamentary leadership maintain that the meeting is meant to discuss constitutional amendments and must proceed as planned. No immediate comment was available from Somali Parliament leadership or security forces.