MOGADISHU (Horn post) Tensions erupted at Somalia’s Parliament today as MPs from both houses clashed over proposed amendments to the country’s constitution. Video footage from the session showed lawmakers physically confronting each other, with shouting and disorder dominating the joint meeting.
The joint session of the House of the People and the Upper House took place at the Parliament building in Mogadishu. It was chaired by House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), alongside First Deputy Speaker of the Upper House, Ali Shacban Ibrahim, and other parliamentary leaders.
Approximately 180 MPs and 31 Senators attended the session, which aimed to review proposed changes to Chapters 5 to 9 of the Somali Constitution, including detailed amendments to Articles 49, 50, and 54 of Chapter 4.
However, opposition MPs vocally rejected the proposed amendments, accusing the Presidency and parliamentary leadership of trying to push through changes without public or legislative support. Chaos escalated when opposition lawmakers tore up copies of the agenda, disrupting the session.
Speaker Madoobe urged MPs to carefully review the proposals ahead of the formal debate, but the opposition successfully halted the session, calling it illegal and unconstitutional. Reports indicate clashes even involved physical altercations between MPs from Jubaland, captured on camera during the heated debate.
The disruptions mark a significant setback for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, which has been advocating for the constitutional reforms.
Analysts say the incident underscores growing political tension within Somalia’s legislature over constitutional changes.
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Prepared by:
Horn post staff reporter
Mogadishu Somalia
