MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre declared on Tuesday that Somalia’s federal system was “imposed” on the country and requires restructuring to align with national needs and resolve persistent conflicts between the federal government, parliament, and regional states.
Speaking at a consultative conference, Barre argued that the current “ill-defined federalism” has fueled recurring disputes over power and resources. In a veiled critique of Ethiopia—a key influencer in Somali politics—he quipped whether federalism had been “embedded with chips” during its implementation, implying foreign interference.
The remarks come as Somalia faces international pressure to avoid unilateral constitutional changes. The U.S. recently warned President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government that reforms lacking consensus risk exacerbating political crises. Regional leaders, particularly from Puntland and Jubaland, have also resisted centralized reforms, fearing eroded autonomy.
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