January 28, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Scuffles and shouting broke out Wednesday during a joint session of Somalia’s bicameral parliament in Mogadishu after the parliament’s speaker attempted to advance a set of proposed amendments to the country’s provisional constitution, forcing the session to be suspended, according to Arab News and Reuters reporting.
The disorder unfolded when the speaker introduced an unexpected agenda item to amend five chapters of the Provisional Federal Constitution, which has governed Somalia since 2012 but has been subject to repeated, often contentious revision efforts.
Opposition lawmakers strongly objected, saying the proposed changes would allow parliament’s mandate which is due to expire in April to be extended by two years without proper legal process. They accused the leadership of attempting to rush through the agenda without adequate consultation.
Videos circulating on social media showed Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, a member of the Upper House who supported advancing the agenda, involved in a physical confrontation with opposition lawmaker Hassan Yare, though it was not immediately clear how the clash began.
Opposition lawmakers tore up official agenda papers, shouted slogans and blew whistles, bringing the session to an abrupt halt. In response, Speaker Adan Madobe adjourned proceedings and warned that disciplinary measures could be taken against those responsible for the disruptions.
Somalia’s long struggle to finalise a permanent constitution has exposed deep divisions between the federal government and regional states, and past attempts to alter mandates or extend terms have previously triggered serious political crises and even armed confrontations in Mogadishu.