Somalia is a nation plagued by internal division and strife. As the country’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday officially opened 7th session of the Federal Parliament, amid political disputes and security concerns across the East African Nation. Somalia’s political integrity remains under threat. The opening ceremony for the parliament held in Mogadishu, brought together Members of parliament (MPs), government officials, and opposition law makers. President Mohamud in his address, was aiming at outlining the government’s achievements, setting priorities for the new legislative term, and addressing the political and security challenges facing Somalia. The state opening of Parliament marked a watershed moment in Somalia’s turbulent and bloody history.
Somalia’s parliamentary sessions have frequently been overshadowed by political instability, with disputes between the executive and opposition often derailing legislative work. While the government points to military gains against extremist groups and strengthened international ties as evidence of progress, critics argue that these achievements are overshadowed by persistent governance failures and exclusionary politics. The launch of the 7th parliamentary session is seen as a defining moment for Somalia’s political trajectory. If the government and Parliament can navigate their divisions, the session could unlock long-awaited reforms and bolster democratic governance. However, if partisan rivalries dominate, it risks deepening Somalia’s political rifts at a time when the country urgently needs stability, unity, and effective leadership.
Politicians in Mogadishu both in President Mohamud’s government and among its parliamentary opposition need to clean up their act. The current administration amid a fragmented nation can no longer continue with its traditional practices of side stepping the opposition. The strategic horn of Africa country to the south west of the straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Aden has long been plagued by militancy. If there is to be peace and stability President Mohamud’s government must adopt a more inclusive and bilateral approach to the opposition. Bilateral relations between the government and opposition can go a long way in improving security cooperation. The virtues of accountability and transparency need to be enshrined in daily government conduct and state business. Only with that level of commitment and cooperation can Mogadishu secure its borders.
Somalia has now moved on to extracting a new commodity after striking oil in the Gulf of Aden.
Somalia is set to launch its first-ever oil drilling operation in the coming months, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced, marking what could be a major turning point in the Horn of Africa nation’s economic trajectory. Speaking at the opening of the 7th session of the joint parliament in Mogadishu, the president said the move represents a critical step in Somalia’s efforts to tap into its vast natural resources and build a sustainable national economy. However, some analysts and civil society groups have urged the government to establish strong governance mechanisms to avoid mismanagement and political conflict over oil revenues. “There must be transparency, accountability, and equitable resource sharing,” one analyst said, warning that without proper safeguards, the oil sector could become a source of instability rather than prosperity.
The Somali government needs to extend cooperation to its opposition and civil society. The discovery of oil can prove itself a heavenly boon if utilized correctly. But this can only happen when security is established across Somalia and transparency and accountability becomes institutionalised. Then with the establishment of social stability, security and accountable and transparent practices Somalia can access the new found oil wealth. This new found riches can go a long way to assist in diversifying the economy. The parliamentary address by President Mohamud could go a long way in establishing an olive branch between the government, parliamentary opposition and the nation’s civil society. The extraction of petroleum carries a curse of its own if not put to the correct use. Only time will tell how President Mohamud will see what use Somali petroleum will be put to in terms of trade.
To that end Mohamud carries the weight of his nation on his back.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
