Tuesday April 14, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — The official four-year term of Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament ended on Tuesday, April 14, in accordance with Article 60 of the country’s Provisional Constitution.
Parliament, which has served as the central pillar of Somalia’s governance system since being sworn in on April 14, 2022, provided the legal foundation for the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on May 15, 2022, and the subsequent formation of the federal government later that year.
Abdulatif Muse Sanyare, a member of the House of the People, said the parliament will now operate in a caretaker capacity.
“From today, parliament enters a caretaker phase. It can handle essential and routine matters but cannot pass new laws or approve major agreements until a new parliament with full legitimacy is formed,” Sanyare said. He added that the legislature’s ability to hold the executive accountable, including summoning or dismissing ministers, is effectively suspended during this period.
Sanyare also noted that if the Speaker of the House resigns, the First Deputy Speaker would assume the role in an acting capacity, as no formal internal elections can be conducted without a fully mandated parliament. His remarks come amid reports that the current Speaker, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), is considering a bid for the presidency of Southwest State.
The situation is further complicated by recent constitutional amendments approved by the federal parliament before the end of its term. The changes include extending the mandates of federal institutions, including the presidency, from four to five years. The federal government has defended the move as necessary for transitioning to a one-person, one-vote electoral system.
However, the amendments have been strongly rejected by Puntland and Jubbaland state administrations, as well as opposition groups, who argue that the Provisional Constitution clearly sets a four-year term and that the changes lack broad national consensus.
