Some Members of Somalia’s Parliament Disapprove Proposed Constitutional Amendments

During a convened meeting in Mogadishu, 71 members from both chambers of the Federal Parliament of Somalia voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the interim constitution championed by President Hassan Sheikh and his administration.

Stating concerns over the proposed amendments, parliament members emphasized that the current trajectory resembled the drafting of a new constitution rather than mere amendments. At a press conference, they highlighted the perceived threat to the state-building process in Somalia posed by the proposed changes.

Expressing solidarity, the members affirmed their decision not to endorse President Hassan Sheikh’s proposed constitutional amendments. They urged the president to reconsider his stance to avoid potential impediments.

This rejection echoes the sentiments of former Somalian leaders, including Presidents and Prime Ministers, who also expressed reservations about the timing and scope of the proposed constitutional amendments.