Poll dates announced, despite ongoing turmoil

Somalia has announced that parliamentary and presidential elections would be held next year in the deeply fragmented country that faces a long-running Islamist insurgency, reports Modern Ghana. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's second term ended this year but his government declared a ‘transition period’ in May, despite an agreement with the opposition on holding elections. Mohamud has been attempting to move Somalia towards democratic elections, replacing a system based around clan elders, although his attempts have been opposed by regional leaders, who view it as a power grab. The Election Commission said parliamentary polls would be held on 15 April, followed by a presidential vote scheduled for 15 May. Mohamud assumed power in 2022 but has argued he was given an extra year in the presidency when an amended Constitution was passed by Parliament this year that set the framework for elections and extended the vote. But opposition parties boycotted that vote and have rejected the changes, including the powerful states of Jubaland and Puntland. Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo said on X the unilateral election decision was a ‘dangerous threat to Somalia's statehood and future’ and urged an agreement with all factions. With much of the country also under the control of Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab, little progress has been made on organising elections beyond a few localised pockets. Somalia also faces uncertainty regarding funding for the African Union mission, Aussom, which is the leading force supporting the Somali army.