HSM: A Shift Toward Centralized Dictatorship in the Style of Guelleh and Museveni

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia based in Mogadishu has passed two laws related to the southern Somalia elections and the political party system, despite the government’s loss of legitimacy after abolishing the provisional charter.

The Electoral Act introduced by the Ministers in Mogadishu outlines plans for a nationwide election based on direct voting. However, it is unclear where these elections will take place, given that much of Southern Somalia is under the control of the militants group Al-Shabaab.

According to the law the leader of Banadir Hassan Sheikh is using this election project to extend his term beyond its scheduled end in 15 May 2026.

The law suggests that difficult circumstances could be used as a pretext for him to remain in office.

The House People of the Federal Government of Somalia led by Adan Madobe is expected to soon approve these two laws and the bill for establishing an Election Commission at both the Federal and Southern Regional Government (Galmudug, HirShabelle, Jubaland and South West) levels with members appointed by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The opposition has strongly rejected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s ambitions labeling them unrealistic.

They said they won’t repeat the actions they took years ago when Hassan Sheikh and others opposed Farmajo’s rule.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has turned into absolutely centralist dictatorship that followed the authoritarian style of his allies Ismail Omar Guelleh and Yoweri Museveni.

JQ