Tensions erupted on Wednesday during a joint session of Somalia’s parliament, prompting scuffles and shouted exchanges as the speaker sought to advance proposed amendments to the constitution. Opposition lawmakers argued that the changes would unfairly extend the parliament’s mandate, leading to the suspension of the session.

Since 2012, Somalia has operated under a provisional constitution, with repeated efforts to finalise it exposing deep divisions over governance and power-sharing between federal and regional authorities.

The incident echoes a previous crisis under former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, when attempts to extend political mandates in 2021 sparked armed clashes in Mogadishu and raised fears of broader instability.

The disruption began when the speaker introduced an unexpected agenda covering amendments to five chapters of the provisional constitution and attempted to distribute written copies to lawmakers at the session’s start.