Somalia stands at a crossroads, where the hope for a democratic future clashes with the grim reality of a regime that seems to prefer bullets over ballots. In an unprecedented move, former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has violated the Somali Constitution by refusing to organise the presidential election that was scheduled for February 8. This deliberate act of defiance not only undermines the rule of law but also endangers the lives of countless Somali citizens. In Mogadishu, the consequences are clear: innocent lives have already been lost as Farmajo continues to suppress the call for democracy with force.
We cannot stand idly by while Farmajo’s actions threaten the very fabric of our nation. We must denounce the involvement of foreign forces that have chosen to support his illegitimate regime, particularly the Turkish military and the Qatari government. Their interventions risk reviving the civil war that has long scarred Somalia, plunging the country back into the chaos we have fought so hard to escape. Somalia’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and we will not allow external actors to meddle in our internal affairs.
Farmajo’s refusal to step down, his blatant disregard for the constitution, and his reliance on violence instead of dialogue leave us facing an increasingly perilous situation. This is not just the struggle of one man – it is the struggle of the Somali people who desire peace, security, and a genuine democracy free from corruption. For too long, Somalia has been held hostage by those who seek to perpetuate their own power rather than prioritise the needs of the people.
In the face of this growing crisis, I call on all Somalis to mobilise and demand their rights. This is a call for unity, a call to stand firm in our commitment to a peaceful and democratic Somalia. I also urge the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to condemn these foreign interventions, which are only deepening the divisions in our nation. The people of Somalia are ready for change, and it is time the world stands with us, not against us.
The future of Somalia rests in the hands of its people. We must not allow Farmajo’s violent tactics to succeed, and we must continue to fight for a Somalia where democracy, peace, and prosperity are not just aspirations but realities for every Somali citizen.
