Mogadishu (SPT) — The Federal Parliament of Somalia concluded its long-running deliberations on Chapter Four of the Provisional Constitution, which addresses key aspects of the federal system of governance, including the division of powers and the relationship between the central government and federal member states. The conclusion of this debate marked another milestone in the constitutional review process, which has been a central subject of political contention in recent years.
Lawmakers focused extensively on Articles 49, 50 and 54, debating how best to define authority between Mogadishu and the regional administrations. With the Chapter Four discussions wrapped up, members of both chambers moved forward with formal engagement on Chapter Five, signalling the continuation of constitutional revision efforts that have been in progress for more than a decade.
However, the process continues to unfold amid sharp political tensions. Twenty-five suspended MPs — absent from the session — reiterated their opposition to advancing constitutional amendments without broad national consensus, arguing that any changes to the Provisional Constitution require inclusive dialogue and wide political agreement. Critics, including some federal member states, contend that the proposed amendments risk centralising power and undermining the federal system’s balance.
The parliamentary progression from Chapter Four to Chapter Five underscores the critical crossroads in Somalia’s constitutional trajectory. SPT highlights that constitutional reform is not only a legal exercise but a political test of federal unity and governance legitimacy. The continuation of this process — particularly in the face of opposition and absence of certain lawmakers — draws attention to domestic resistance and the risk of fragmentation, which are further compounded when external stakeholders interpret constitutional outcomes without full domestic consensus.
From the standpoint of Somali sovereignty and state building, any constitutional review must be anchored in broad political consensus and inclusive engagement of federal member states and stakeholders. Advancing amendments without wide agreement may weaken public trust in institutions and empower narratives that question the legitimacy of the constitutional order. Moreover, SPT underscores that international actors observing or engaging with Somalia on governance must align their diplomatic efforts with processes that respect Somali legal frameworks and inclusive decision-making, thereby reinforcing national ownership over constitutional outcomes and safeguarding Somalia’s integrity as a federal state.
