Urgent Resolution: Somali Future Council Issues Strong Communiqué on National Stability and Upcoming Elections

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The Somali Future Council has released an urgent communiqué following extensive deliberations on the nation’s political, security, and economic situation.

The Council outlined a series of resolutions aimed at safeguarding national unity, preventing constitutional crises, and ensuring a stable electoral process.

According to the communiqué, the Council prioritized national unity and cohesion, stressing that the preservation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and the well-being of its citizens remain paramount.

Key Resolutions Highlighted Include:

1. Protection of National Unity: The Council emphasized that its top priority is safeguarding Somalia’s unity and the collective will of the Somali people, warning against any threats to national stability.

2. Collaborative Action on Security: It called for enhanced cooperation to confront political uncertainty and escalating threats from extremist groups such as Al‑Shabaab and ISIS, urging national institutions to align on long-term security frameworks.

3. Constitutional Adherence: The Council stressed that Somalia’s governance must remain anchored in the provisional constitution adopted in 2012, rejecting any unilateral constitutional changes not based on national consensus.

4. Clarification of Term Limits: The Council reaffirmed that the term of Parliament ends on 14 April 2026, while the presidential term concludes on 15 May 2026, rejecting any attempt to extend mandates or disrupt constitutional timelines.

5. Dialogue on Electoral Framework: Members expressed readiness to engage President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in discussions aimed at delivering credible, transparent, and consensus-driven elections, improving upon shortcomings seen in the 2022 electoral process.

6. Call for Inclusive Political Dialogue: President Hassan Sheikh was urged to convene political stakeholders by 20 January 2026 to build agreement on a national electoral model that upholds constitutional principles.

7. Preventing a Constitutional Crisis: Should dialogue fail, the Future Council indicated readiness to advance alternative mechanisms to avert a constitutional vacuum or potential security destabilization.

8. Concerns Over Banaadir Elections: The Council criticized ongoing electoral activities in Banaadir, describing them as a single‑party-driven process that excludes significant segments of the population and violates constitutional norms.

9. Term Expiry of Federal Institutions: The Council called on federal officials whose mandates have expired to refrain from participating in constitutionally unsanctioned decision-making processes.

10. Condemnation of Forced Evictions: Members expressed deep concern over reports of forced evictions of vulnerable citizens, urging the federal government to order an immediate halt to such actions.

11. Protection of Media and Civil Liberties: The Council warned against suppression of independent media and civil society groups, and called for an end to forced mobilization of students and communities into political events.

12. Commendation of Security Forces: It praised the Somali security forces for their sacrifices in defending the nation from extremist threats.

13. Appeal for National Responsibility: Acknowledging the severe economic and humanitarian challenges facing Somalis, the Council urged leaders to act with integrity and prioritize solutions that secure a better future for all citizens.

14. Relief Efforts Support: It encouraged the federal government, religious leaders, business community, and aid organizations to accelerate emergency assistance to drought‑affected populations.

15. Appreciation for International Partners: The Council thanked the international community for supporting Somalia and urged continued cooperation in guiding the country toward credible elections.

16. Recognition of the Council’s Role: Members expressed gratitude for the Future Council’s dedicated efforts in ensuring accountability and providing clear recommendations during the conference in Kismayo.

The Council offered special appreciation to the Government and People of Jubaland for their warm hospitality and excellent facilitation of the conference.