By Abdullahi Ahmed Nor

Elections play a crucial role in shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of any society. In the context of Somalia’s Jubaland State, a region that has faced numerous challenges, including conflict, displacement, and underdevelopment and to that end, the electoral process is pivotal in establishing a government that represents the aspirations of its people and free from interference from Villa Somalia.

Nevertheless, President Hassan’s disregard for law and order has disrupted the electoral cycle in the Federal Member States by illegitimately extending some of the Regional Presidents term in office. This unlawful action has created needless political confusion among the public and politicians who were lining up to compete for top positions within their respective Federal Member States. There were no legitimate issues on the ground that warranted these extensions other than the customary day dream of President Hassan – aligning the election timelines of the Federal Government and the Federal Member States.

In the mind of President Hassan, which is most often than not, clouded by his own reality can hardly comprehend that Puntland FMS has already carried out their election peacefully and on time, despite the millions spent to abort the election by President Hassan’s administration, which remains largely confined to small neighborhoods in Mogadishu. Southwest FMS President is fully aware of the unscrupulous intentions of President Hassan and will shortly kick start the election of South West FMS to circumvent the deceitful traps laid out by President Hassan, which is to unlawfully install as President of the Southwest a handpicked individual from his cohorts. Hirshabeel FMS and Galguduud FMS election cycles can’t be pushed further as the current Presidents of the respective Federal Member States are fully aware of the ungodly strategy of President Hassan.

To come back to the gist of this article, Jubaland President’s decision to amend the FMS’s Constitution is in line with the ratified Provisional Federal Constitution. The Provisional Federal Constitution puts no term limits on the number of times a President stands for election and to that end Article 70 of the constitution of Jubaland FMS which mandates two terms should be amended to align with the Constitution of the Federal Republic.

Article 121:- Principles for Constitutions

1. Principally, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia and those of the Federal Member States shall be harmonized.

Article 91:- Term of Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

1. The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia shall hold office for a term of four (4) years, starting from the day he takes the oath of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in accordance with Article 96 of the Constitution.

Article 96:- Oath of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Before assuming office.

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia shall take an oath before the Federal Parliament, administered by the Chairman of the High Court, which shall be as follows: “I swear in the name of Allah that I will perform my duties honestly and in the best interest of the Nation, People and Religion, and that I will abide by the Constitution and the other Laws of the Country”.

President Ahmed Islaan (Madoobe) should be applauded for conforming and fulfilling the commands and dictates of the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia as it is the supreme law of Somalia. It provides the legal foundation for the existence of the Federal Republic and source of legal authority.

In contrast, President Hassan, tactlessly tried to abrogate, the Provisional Federal Constitution which he took an oath to respect. To contemplate to change the constitution without the dictates of CHAPTER 15: FINAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION is a treasonable act that evokes the following articles:-

Article 92:- Impeachment and Discharging of Duties of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia

• The House of the People of the Federal Parliament can propose the dismissal of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia if he is accused of treason, or gross violation of the Constitution or the laws of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Unlike Puntland State, there is no Constitutional Court in Mogadishu, and in light of this fact; the only honorable option open for President Hassan is to resign.

Article 93:– Resignation of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia may resign to the Federal Parliament through the Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament.   .

President Hassan’s doctrine is nothing more than to put the country into political confusion to get a free hand on public assets selling without due process, and the misappropriation of funds from the treasury through the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank, both of whom hail from the same region and are deemed unqualified for their professional roles. Additionally, the Auditor General, appointed by President Hassan, lacks any background in accounting or related fields, having been recruited from a Mogadishu media outlet without any relevant qualifications.

President Ahmed Islaan (Madoobe) and the current Jubaland Speaker put their life in the line of fire to liberate Jubaland from Al Shabab, of course, with the help of the Kenyan forces. I would rather respect Jubaland President than the Federal President who is and was unswervingly immersed in corruption throughout his two terms.

President Hassan remains incarcerated to his villa and is unable to venture out in Mogadishu for relaxation. To get a brief respite, he has undertaken over 70 foreign trips that could have been attended by a minister or the Prime Minister, costing the impoverished country over $31.5 million. There is growing concern that Al Shabaab might take over Mogadishu, as the army is severely depleted, and the remaining soldiers lack the morale to fight. President Hassan seems to rely on his son, Abdifatah Hassan, who was promoted to Major after just one year in the army, and the son of the Chief of Defense Forces, Abdiqafar Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin, who joined the army with the rank of Captain despite having no military experience. This reliance raises doubts about their ability to single-handedly defend Mogadishu from Al Shabaab.

In conclusion, President Hassan’s failed leadership, excessive foreign travels, public land grab, his divisive Constitution, deluge of corruption in every government sector among many, have drained the national treasury, demoralized the public, created inter-tribal wars that are raging all over the country and as consequence the critical security concerns have been left in the back burner.

The vulnerability of Mogadishu to potential threats from Al Shabaab underscores the urgent need for capable and experienced leadership for the country. As the country faces these challenges, there is a pressing call for leadership that prioritizes national security, transparency, and effective governance to safeguard Somalia’s future stability and prosperity.

Abdullahi Ahmed Nor
Email: abdullahinor123@gmail.com