Somalia: Somalia's Justice Minister Warns Political Divisions Threaten Statehood, Calls for National Consensus

What the report says

Somalia’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hassan Maalim Mahmoud warned that political divisions and rivalries are endangering the country’s stability, according to Shabelle Media Network via AllAfrica. Speaking in Mogadishu, he urged Somali leaders to set aside disputes tied to clan interests, power struggles and other internal disagreements in order to protect the state’s survival.

Maalim said Somalia is facing difficulties in several federal member states and regions, including Puntland, Somaliland, Jubaland, South West and Hirshabelle, as well as at the national level. He argued that fragmentation could invite outside interference from neighbouring states or other foreign actors seeking influence in Somalia. The minister also appealed to young people, whom he described as the large majority of the population, to help drive political change.

He welcomed calls from religious scholars for unity and collective action, and said Somalia could reconsider its governing arrangements through a new national agreement. That discussion, he said, could cover the constitution, power-sharing, resource distribution and the federal system, including whether the current setup should be reformed or replaced if there is broad consensus.

The remarks come amid ongoing debate over Somalia’s constitutional framework, federal relations and electoral process, alongside persistent security problems. Maalim also said the country’s security forces need better welfare, equipment and support, arguing that soldiers require stronger protection and care if they are expected to defend the state.