Somali lawmakers move to next phase of contentious constitutional debate
Parliament officially began reviewing Chapter Five of the Provisional Constitution, continuing the second phase of Somalia’s long-delayed constitutional revision.
Mogadishu (Somali Report — Somalia’s federal parliament on Monday concluded debate on Chapter Four of the Provisional Constitution and formally opened discussions on Chapter Five, advancing a contentious constitutional review process that has exposed deep political divisions.
The joint session of the two chambers, held at the House of the People headquarters in Mogadishu, marked the seventh session of parliament’s 12th joint meeting. Lawmakers wrapped up deliberations on proposed amendments to Chapter Four, with particular focus on Articles 49, 50 and 54, which define the federal system, relations between the central government and
member states, and the division of powers.
The session was chaired by the first deputy speaker of the Upper House, Ali Shabaan Ibrahim, alongside the second deputy speaker of the House of the People, Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, and the second deputy speaker of the Upper House, Abdullahi Hirsi Timacadde.
After concluding the Chapter Four debate, parliament officially began reviewing Chapter Five of the Provisional Constitution, continuing the second phase of Somalia’s long-delayed constitutional revision.
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Ali Shabaan Ibrahim said discussion of Chapter Five would continue in upcoming parliamentary sessions, signaling that lawmakers face further complex and potentially divisive debates.
Monday’s session proceeded without the participation of 25 lawmakers who were previously suspended from attending joint sittings over alleged disruptions. Those MPs, who announced their position in Mogadishu on Sunday night, reiterated their strong opposition to any amendments to the Provisional Constitution.
The suspended lawmakers warned parliamentary leaders against moving forward with constitutional changes without broad agreement and a shared national vision, arguing that any amendments require consensus across political stakeholders.
The constitutional review process has become one of the most polarizing issues in Somali politics, drawing resistance from opposition figures and some federal member states, including Puntland and Jubbaland.
Critics fear the proposed amendments could centralize power and weaken federalism, while the federal government insists the reforms are essential to completing Somalia’s constitutional framework and stabilizing governance.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.