Chaos erupts in Somali Parliament as opposition blocks constitutional amendments –
Wednesday January 28, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) – A joint session of Somalia’s bicameral parliament on Wednesday descended into chaos after opposition lawmakers protested plans to amend five chapters of the Provisional Federal Constitution, forcing the session to be suspended.
Speaker of the House of the People Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe struggled to formally open the session as opposition MPs disrupted proceedings with loud protests. The disorder escalated, prompting the Speaker to abruptly leave the parliamentary chamber.
Clashes broke out between lawmakers from opposing sides, with several MPs reportedly exchanging punches as the situation spiraled out of control. Among those involved in the altercation were Senator Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag, Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security, and MP Hassan Firinbi, both elected from the Jubbaland regional state.
Opposition MPs opposing the proposed constitutional amendments tore up the session’s agenda, accusing the government of attempting to amend the constitution to extend the term of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and consolidate power. They alleged that the proposed changes lacked public support and had not received broad parliamentary consensus.
As a result of the disruption, the joint session of the two houses of the Federal Parliament intended to debate and approve constitutional amendments was effectively cancelled. Opposition lawmakers described the proposed amendments as a political maneuver aimed at entrenching executive authority.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs rejected claims that consultations on constitutional amendments had not taken place. In a statement, the ministry said discussions were held with all Federal Member States except Puntland, and that citizens from participating regions were consulted on proposed changes to the constitution.
Political tensions remain high between the federal government and the Puntland and Jubbaland administrations, particularly over constitutional reforms, power-sharing, and security arrangements.
