On May 1st, Somalia’s President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmaajo formally withdrew his illegal claim to a two-year term extension, delegating responsibility for election management and security to acting Prime Minister Mohammed Roble while retaining control as Commander-in-Chief. While this move was a welcome concession, it falls short of the decisive action needed to resolve Somalia’s ongoing political and constitutional crisis. The security environment in Mogadishu remains fragmented, with irregular units under NISA command and limited oversight of opposition forces. International calls to “demilitarise” the capital are premature given the persistent risk posed by divided government forces. To consolidate momentum, Roble should immediately take three key steps: include both the federal government and National Salvation Forum in the planned FMS summit on 20 May, convene a Preparatory Committee of stakeholders to define the agenda and format, and address challenging issues such as NISA deployment and AU protection of opposition candidates collectively.
On 1 May, Somalia’s President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmaajo made a major concession, allowing Prime Minister Mohammed Roble to take full responsibility for election preparations and election security. Parliament also voted to annul Farmaajo’s controversial two-year term extension. The move signals a potential pathway toward credible elections in Somalia, following months of political deadlock, violent clashes in Mogadishu, and international pressure. Despite this step, challenges remain. Farmaajo retains control over the army and national security, creating an artificial split in command that risks prolonging instability. The opposition has called for a unified chain of command to restore confidence, rebuild the military and police, and prevent reprisals against officers aligned with the National Salvation (Badbaado Qaran) Forces.
Prime Minister Mohammed Roble hosted a crucial iftar gathering with leading politicians from the Hawiye clan, including presidential candidates Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, Abdirahman Abdishakur, and Hassan Khayre, along with pro-Farmaajo regional presidents Abdi Kariye Qoor Qoor and Ali Abdullahi Hussein Gudlaawe. The meeting showcased a relaxed atmosphere, highlighting Roble’s attempts to position himself as a mediator capable of brokering a peaceful resolution to Somalia’s political standoff. Roble leveraged his status as the senior-most Hawiye in government to appeal for restraint, urging leaders to stand down forces and avoid escalating tensions. However, his role remains delicate; the Prime Minister has largely been ceremonial, often bypassed by ministers and constrained by Villa Somalia. Farmaajo’s reliance on Roble as a bridge to the international community underscores both the opportunities and limitations of his position.