MOGADISHU (WDN)- Somalia – In a high-profile ceremony held in Mogadishu on May 13, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially launched a new political party, the Justice and Unity Party. The event brought together top officials from the Federal Government of Somalia and representatives from three federal member states, marking a significant moment in the country’s evolving political landscape.

Among the prominent figures in attendance were Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Speaker of the Federal Parliament, and the Presidents of the South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle regional administrations. Federal ministers, parliamentarians, and other senior government officials also participated in the ceremony, which was widely seen as a show of solidarity within the president’s political circle.

The announcement of the new party, however, has sparked considerable public debate and criticism. Many Somalis and political observers expressed shock and dismay at what they described as a self-serving political maneuver at a time when the country is facing a multitude of critical challenges.

Critics argue that instead of focusing on uniting the country, intensifying the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab, and preparing the groundwork for a peaceful, negotiated electoral process, President Hassan Sheikh has chosen a path that aimed at consolidating personal political power for his comeback.

“This move undermines the national interest,” said a political analyst who talked to WardheerNews. “It signals a prioritization of personal ambition over state-building and reconciliation.”

Sources who spoke to WardheerNews voiced deep skepticism about the motivations behind the formation of the Justice and Unity Party, suggesting that the coalition is less about shared principles or national service and more about advancing individual political and financial interests.

“This is not a party built on ideals or a vision for Somalia’s future,” said one civil society activist. “It is a power bloc formed by individuals who are united primarily by self-interest.”

As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, economic hardship, and institutional fragility, the formation of the Justice and Unity Party adds another layer of complexity to Somalia’s political environment. Analysts warn that the move could further polarize the political climate and potentially ignite new tensions among rival factions ahead of the next electoral cycle. The long-term implications of this political realignment remain to be seen, but for many Somalis, the question now is whether the new party will bring justice and unity—or deepen the divisions it claims to mend.

WardheerNews