Wednesday September 24, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
said Wednesday he has no intention of extending his term in office and pledged
that national elections will be held on schedule.
In an interview with the BBC, Mohamud said his mandate,
which began on May 15, 2022, will end four years later.
“I was elected on May 15, 2022, and my term ends on May 15,
2026,” he said. “I want to hold elections within that period, but I have not
said what the future holds.” He added that he was ready to hand over power
peacefully should he lose at the ballot box.
The president acknowledged disputes between the federal
government and some regional member states but expressed optimism that tensions
would ease. He noted that indirect communication continues and said Mogadishu
has made concessions to strengthen ties with federal states.
Mohamud stressed that his government is prepared to bring
Puntland and Jubbaland to the negotiating table to secure inclusive elections.
He reiterated that transitioning Somalia toward a one-person, one-vote system
and completing the country’s provisional constitution remain central goals of
his presidency.
The remarks come as Somalia continues to grapple with
political rivalries among federal states, insecurity fueled by al-Shabab, and
the daunting challenge of building institutions capable of delivering
nationwide elections.