Mogadishu (WDN)-A coalition of former Somali leaders and prominent opposition politicians issued a joint communiqué on Tuesday, warning that Somalia is teetering on the brink of collapse unless urgent corrective measures are taken. The signatories, drawn from across the political spectrum, accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of dismantling the country’s fragile federal system in favor of authoritarian rule, and called for immediate national dialogue to avert further instability.
The statement, which was widely circulated among Somali media outlets and civil society organizations, outlined five key demands and expressed alarm over what the group described as the total collapse of the National Consultative Council (NCC), Somalia’s main federal dialogue platform.
According to the communiqué, President Hassan Sheikh has abandoned the principle of consensus that underpins the Provisional Federal Constitution, and is instead pursuing unilateral policies that threaten national cohesion. They cited his recent political maneuvers as evidence of a creeping attempt to extend his presidential term beyond its legal limits—a move they warned could plunge the country into both political and security chaos.
“We are calling for an immediate and inclusive national consultation that brings together political stakeholders and all segments of Somali society. The goal is to save the nation from creeping authoritarianism and to preserve the foundational principles of federalism, constitutional order, and political power-sharing,” the statement read.
The group further criticized President Hassan Sheikh for interfering in the internal affairs of Jubaland, one of the two Federal Member States that boycotted the recent NCC summit in Mogadishu. They accused the president of using state resources and public office to suppress dissent and punish political opponents.
“We warn the President to cease his destabilizing campaign against the leadership and people of Jubaland. He must end the misuse of national resources to carry out political abductions and silencing of critics,” the statement added.
Tensions between Villa Somalia and Jubaland have been particularly high in recent months, with Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe openly rejecting federal government pressure and denouncing the recent launch of the Justice and Unity Party, which many view as a political tool to consolidate power under the guise of reform.
The joint communiqué also directed strong criticism at the presidents of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West State—all of whom remain in office despite the expiration of their constitutional mandates. The signatories urged these leaders to respect the will of their constituents and facilitate constitutionally mandated elections, rather than aiding President Hassan Sheikh in what they termed the “dismantling of federalism.”
“We call on the presidents of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West State to honor their people by organizing credible elections and refraining from collaborating in the erosion of the federal system. The future of the Somali state depends on adherence to constitutional norms, not political convenience,” the statement concluded.
This rare show of unity among opposition factions and former national leaders underscores the growing concern over Somalia’s democratic backsliding. As the country prepares for critical elections in 2026, the rift between Villa Somalia and several Federal Member States continues to deepen, raising fears of renewed conflict and fragmentation.
With the NCC now widely perceived as compromised, and trust in the executive at an all-time low, pressure is mounting on President Hassan Sheikh to chart a different course—one that embraces dialogue, respects the rule of law, and restores balance between the federal center and the regions.
See below the communique:
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