MOGADISHU, Somalia — November 10, 2026- Al-Ictisaam Bil Kitaab Wa Sunnah, one of Somalia’s prominent Islamic religious organizations, has issued a strongly worded warning over the country’s deteriorating political, security and constitutional situation, cautioning that continued divisions among national leaders could push Somalia toward instability, internal conflict and potential state collapse.
In a three-page statement released on Tuesday, November 10, the organization’s Executive Council expressed deep concern over escalating political tensions, disagreements surrounding the country’s constitutional framework and the growing divisions between the federal government and opposition political groups.
The organization urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, federal government officials, opposition leaders and influential members of Somali society to prioritize national unity and pursue an immediate political settlement before the situation deteriorates further.
Warning Over Somalia’s Political and Constitutional Crisis
Al-Ictisaam described Somalia as facing a particularly dangerous period characterized by political uncertainty, security challenges, economic difficulties and widespread public frustration.
According to the statement, disagreements among political leaders have weakened public confidence in government institutions, while security tensions in several parts of the country have created additional risks for national stability.
The organization warned that unresolved political and constitutional disputes could develop into a broader confrontation, potentially threatening the country’s security and the survival of its governing institutions.
The scholars also raised concerns about disagreements over the legitimacy of government institutions following May 15, 2026, and constitutional disputes involving federal authorities.
Al-Ictisaam’s position reflects its concerns about the current political framework and should not be interpreted as a legally established determination that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate has expired.
The statement emphasized that these disputes, combined with Somalia’s wider political challenges, represent a serious threat requiring immediate attention.
President Hassan Sheikh Urged to Take Decisive Action
Addressing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other senior government officials, Al-Ictisaam stressed that political leadership carries significant responsibilities, particularly during periods of national uncertainty.
The organization called on the president to take urgent measures to protect the country from further deterioration, preserve national unity and prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.
It warned that decisions taken by Somalia’s leadership during the current crisis could have lasting consequences for the country’s future.
The scholars urged government officials to demonstrate political courage and place the national interest above personal or partisan considerations.
They also cautioned against actions that could deepen divisions or trigger confrontation, emphasizing that Somalia’s political disputes should be resolved through consultation and peaceful negotiation rather than force.
Opposition Leaders Urged to Avoid Escalation
Al-Ictisaam also directed an appeal to Somalia’s opposition politicians, acknowledging their role in safeguarding national stability and contributing to political solutions.
The organization urged opposition leaders to refrain from actions that could undermine security, intensify political tensions or create further divisions within Somali society.
It encouraged political actors to express their disagreements through peaceful means while respecting the country’s broader interests.
The statement emphasized that political competition should not come at the expense of public safety or national unity.
Al-Ictisaam called on both the government and opposition to demonstrate flexibility, engage constructively and seek a mutually acceptable resolution to their differences.
Calls for an Urgent National Conference
One of the statement’s central recommendations was the immediate organization of a national dialogue involving government representatives, opposition politicians and other relevant Somali stakeholders.
Al-Ictisaam urged both sides to convene an emergency conference to address the country’s political crisis and identify practical solutions capable of preventing further instability.
The organization proposed that discussions focus on resolving political disagreements, safeguarding national institutions and developing a peaceful path forward.
It also encouraged Somali intellectuals, religious scholars, traditional elders, business leaders and civil society organizations to participate meaningfully in efforts to stabilize the country.
The religious organization said it was prepared to contribute directly to organizing and facilitating such a conference.
However, the statement did not specify an election timetable, proposed electoral mechanism or detailed constitutional settlement.
Its principal demand was an urgent, inclusive political process capable of producing agreed solutions to the country’s leadership and governance disputes.
Religious Scholars and Traditional Leaders Called Upon to Intervene
Beyond Somalia’s political leadership, Al-Ictisaam criticized the limited role played by influential community figures during the current crisis.
The organization said religious scholars, traditional elders and community leaders had not sufficiently fulfilled their responsibilities in promoting reconciliation and preventing political confrontation.
It urged these groups to intensify mediation efforts, engage political stakeholders and present constructive proposals aimed at resolving the country’s disagreements.
The statement highlighted the importance of collective responsibility, warning that Somalia’s future should not depend solely on decisions made by competing political factions.
Al-Ictisaam also called on Somali businesspeople, civil society organizations and intellectuals to support national reconciliation efforts.
Growing Concerns Over Somalia’s Stability
The warning comes amid continuing disagreements over Somalia’s political direction, constitutional arrangements and the relationship between federal authorities and competing political stakeholders.
Al-Ictisaam’s intervention adds a significant religious voice to calls for dialogue at a time when political mistrust threatens to complicate efforts to strengthen state institutions and maintain security.
The organization warned that failure to resolve existing disagreements could expose Somalia to further instability and potentially undermine years of state-building efforts.
Concluding its statement, Al-Ictisaam reiterated its willingness to participate in reconciliation initiatives and called for immediate, responsible action from the country’s leadership.

