The Somali Future Council has explicitly opposed the direction of the country’s electoral plans, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of taking unilateral actions that could jeopardize national unity, the federal system, and the future of governance in Somalia.
In a press release, the Council expressed strong opposition to the electoral schedule for both houses of the Federal Parliament and the Federal Presidency. The Council stated that this schedule was issued under the direction of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, without reaching an inclusive political agreement on an electoral process to be implemented in the country.
The Council called for an agreement to be reached regarding the elections, emphasizing the importance of resuming mediation talks and seeking a political consensus that is mutually accepted by all political stakeholders and supported by international partners.
The Somali Future Council noted that Somalia is facing severe challenges, including the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and ISIS, the impact of El Niño-related flooding, droughts linked to climate change, and intensifying regional rivalries. As stated in the press release, these risks further increase the need for cooperation, political agreement, and unified leadership, at a time when the country is facing security, economic, and social challenges.
The Council also stated that the consequences arising from the current political situation could undermine efforts to strengthen state-building, expressing concern over political divisions and the potential impact on the cohesion of Somali society.
The Somali Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka Soomaaliyeed) indicated its readiness for genuine dialogue aimed at reaching an inclusive agreement—one that establishes an electoral process and a realistic timeline.
However, it made clear that if President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud persists with decisions the Council characterizes as unilateral, it will take further constitutional and political measures to safeguard the rights of the public and the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The Council specifically warned that no single individual or group has the right to unilaterally determine Somalia’s political future.
The press release stated that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—along with anyone supporting these actions—will bear full responsibility for the decisions taken and their subsequent consequences. Finally, the Somali Future Council has called upon the public to collectively oppose actions it describes as contrary to the country’s laws and constitution—actions that also pose a threat to Somalia’s unity, the federal system, and the state-building process.
The Council has further urged international partners and stakeholders concerned with Somali affairs to participate in efforts to safeguard the future of the nation’s governance, and to support a political process rooted in consultation and inclusive agreement.
