President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opens 7th Parliamentary session with wide-ranging address

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday opened the 7th session of the Federal Parliament with a speech addressing constitutional reforms, electoral policy, security, and his administration’s economic development.

In his remarks, the President praised lawmakers for their role in advancing constitutional reforms. “The 11th Parliament has the honor and courage to take on the completion of the constitution,” he said. Turning to Somalia’s long-delayed goal of universal suffrage, Mohamud reminded Somalis of the last such election. “Fifty-seven years ago, citizens had the opportunity to participate in a one-person, one-vote election. The question is: who among those who voted fifty-seven years ago will now have the chance to vote again?”

Electoral reform and constitutional amendments remain deeply contentious. Opposition figures and some federal member states, particularly Puntland and Jubaland, have rejected the President’s push for constitutional changes and his electoral framework. Their standoff with the federal government has persisted for two years. Nevertheless, Mohamud defended his electoral agenda, insisting it is necessary for Somalia’s democratic transition.

On security, the President emphasized what he described as significant progress against Al-Shabaab. “Today, the group and its leadership are being targeted in very distant areas,” he noted, stressing that security remains the government’s highest priority. He highlighted that a majority of the national budget has been allocated to “liberating the country.”

Mohamud’s administration declared all-out war against the Al-Qaida–affiliated group upon taking office, initially achieving territorial victories, particularly in Hiraan. However, in recent months Al-Shabaab has regained strategic towns, including Moqokori. International media outlets have sounded the alarm over what some describe as a resemblance to the fall of Kabul

The President also discussed Somalia’s energy and infrastructure ambitions. He announced that the country is preparing for its “first oil well drilling” and reiterated earlier plans for a satellite launch base, though without new details. These initiatives are tied to Somalia’s growing partnership with Turkey in energy exploration and infrastructure development.

Last year, the two countries signed a hydrocarbon agreement granting Turkey rights to explore and produce oil and gas in Somalia. The deal allows Turkey to recover 90% of production annually to cover costs, with Somalia’s royalty share capped at 5%. In June this year, the Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis completed a 234-day survey, collecting seismic data that will be analyzed to assess Somalia’s offshore reserves.

Addressing domestic political developments, Mohamud touched on the recent establishment of a new northeastern administration, finalized in early September. He urged its leaders to prioritize security and said that “it is not Somali tradition to hold political prisoners”, a reference to those detained during the Las’anod conflict between local forces and Somaliland. While his government has formally recognized the new administration, the move has drawn criticism. Somaliland accused Mogadishu of “undermining its sovereignty” as it continues to claim the Sool and Sanaag regions. Puntland, meanwhile, has also clashed with the new administration over territorial claims.

The President’s address coincides with a time of growing political uncertainty. Disputes over electoral reform remain unresolved, armed clashes continue in regions such as Gedo, and Somaliland has suspended talks with Mogadishu following the announcement of the new northeastern administration. Local media reported that President Mohamud is expected to visit Jubaland soon for UAE-brokered negotiations, though no official date has been confirmed. These challenges continue to weigh heavily on his administration as national elections approach.