Somalia’s PM Accuses Politicians of Misleading Public on Indirect Elections

By Maher Ahmed - Reporter

Somalia, 28 May 2026 — Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre accused some politicians of misleading the public on indirect elections, saying their public statements contradict what they told officials privately.

Speaking at an Eid celebration in Mogadishu on Wednesday, Barre said that while some opposition figures privately told the government they support indirect elections, they publicly claim the government is unwilling to negotiate or is opposed to dialogue.

“I don’t think there was a single person outside who said, ‘I want indirect elections,’ right? Why are you afraid of the people? But when they met with us privately, they told us they support indirect elections,” Barre said.

The Prime Minister said these contradictory statements create confusion and undermine public trust. “They tell the public, ‘these people won’t engage or compromise,’ but that is not true,” he said.

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Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre speaking at a podium during an Eid celebration in Mogadishu, addressing concerns about politicians misleading the public on indirect elections. Background shows banners and seated guests. — Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addresses an Eid celebration in Mogadishu, criticizing some politicians for publicly contradicting their private support for indirect elections.

He emphasized that the government does not itself advocate for indirect elections, but is committed to transparency and full consultations with political actors. Barre urged politicians to be honest with the public about their stance.

The remarks come amid ongoing disagreements between the federal government and some opposition leaders over Somalia’s electoral process. The opposition has also announced plans to hold demonstrations in Mogadishu early next month.

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre criticized opposition politicians for publicly contradicting their private support of indirect elections.