Parliamentary Chaos in Somalia Over Constitutional Amendment Proposals
Chaos erupted in Somalia's parliament on Wednesday during a joint session, with scuffles and shouting breaking out as opposition lawmakers protested proposed constitutional amendments. The disorder forced the suspension of proceedings, highlighting deep divisions within the country's political system.
Constitutional Controversy Sparks Physical Confrontations
The turmoil began when parliament speaker Adan Madobe announced an unexpected agenda to amend five chapters of Somalia's provisional constitution. As written copies were distributed to lawmakers at the start of the session, opposition members immediately objected, claiming the proposed changes would allow for a two-year extension of parliament's term, which is due to expire in April. The presidential term is also set to conclude in May.
Videos circulating on social media captured the intensity of the confrontation, showing Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, a member of the Upper House who supported the agenda, engaging in a physical altercation with opposition lawmaker Hassan Yare. The exact trigger for the scuffle remains unclear, but the incident underscored the heightened tensions within the parliamentary chamber.
Historical Context of Constitutional Struggles
Somalia has operated under a provisional constitution since 2012, with repeated efforts to finalize the document exposing profound disagreements over governance and power-sharing arrangements between the federal government and regional states. This latest episode echoes a similar constitutional crisis in 2021 under former president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, whose attempt to extend political mandates triggered armed confrontations in Mogadishu and pushed the nation toward wider unrest.
Opposition lawmaker Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsameh accused Speaker Madobe of attempting to rush through the amendments without following proper parliamentary procedures, a claim that fueled the disruptive protests. Lawmakers opposed to the move tore up agenda papers, shouted slogans, and blew whistles, effectively bringing legislative business to a standstill.
Session Suspended Amid Threats of Disciplinary Action
Faced with mounting disorder, Speaker Madobe adjourned the session, warning that disciplinary measures would be taken against those responsible for the disruptions. The speaker did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving uncertainty about when deliberations on the proposed amendments might resume.
This parliamentary chaos reflects broader challenges in Somalia's political landscape, where constitutional reform efforts continue to be hampered by competing interests and historical tensions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of Somalia's democratic institutions and the ongoing struggle to establish a stable governance framework.
