Mogadishu (WDN)- A communiqué issued by the opposition groups, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders in Mogadishu has called for a firm stance in upholding the rule of law and expressing opposition to the current government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The statement, which was obtained by WDN, outlines the concerns and demands of the participants, emphasizing the need for transparent governance, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles. The communiqué reads as follows:

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Communiqué Mogadishu, 16 February 2025, A broad consultative meeting was convened in Mogadishu, bringing together political organizations, civil society groups, traditional Somali leaders, and representatives from various sectors of society. The meeting assessed the prevailing national situation, with a particular focus on constitutional violations, increasing social divisions, and threats to Somalia’s sovereignty.

Key Observations:

1. The President has flagrantly violated his constitutional duties by breaching Article 1, Clause 3 of the Provisional Constitution, which upholds Somalia’s sovereignty and unity as inviolable. 2. By failing to protect national cohesion, the President has undermined the federal system, contravening Article 3, Clause 3 of the Provisional Constitution.  
3. The principle of separation of powers has been systematically eroded, compromising constitutional transparency and accountability, in violation of Article 3, Clause 4.
4. The President has bypassed legal constitutional processes to impose a unilateral framework that serves his interests.
5. Unlawful taxation in the Banadir Region has led to the closure of Bakara Market, a key economic hub, exacerbating economic distress and unemployment.
 6. Public assets have been misappropriated, with vulnerable residents forcibly displaced from their land, which has subsequently been sold to business associates of the President, without resettlement provisions.
7. The President has unilaterally established an electoral commission without legal mandate, violating Articles 111E, and 111G of the Provisional Constitution.

Resolutions and Calls to Action:

1. The Somali people are urged to stand against all forms of oppression and terrorism, with special recognition given to the forces combating these threats in Puntland and Hirshabelle.
2. The Federal Government is condemned for its failure to support the forces fighting in Puntland’s Bari Region and the community forces in Hirshabelle.
3. Any attempt to unilaterally amend the Provisional Constitution for personal political gains is categorically rejected.
4. The electoral commission established by the President lacks legitimacy, as its formation disregarded legal frameworks and impartiality, rendering it unacceptable to political organizations and civil society. 5. Should the President proceed with a unilateral election process, other stakeholders reserve the right to organize independent elections.
6. The involvement of security institutions in political affairs is deemed a national crisis, and the Federal Government is urged to ensure security forces operate independently of political influence.
7. The President must adhere to constitutional principles to prevent further political, economic, and security instability.
8. The arbitrary arrests and intimidation of businesspersons over unlawful taxation are strongly condemned, with warnings issued regarding their potential destabilizing effects on the capital and livelihoods.
9. Somali intellectuals and political stakeholders are encouraged to engage in broad consultations and convene a national conference to protect Somalia’s statehood.

Finaly, Opposition leaders are urged to present an alternative, inclusive electoral process that aligns with the aspirations of the Somali people and counters the President’s unilateral approach to elections.