Humanitarian crisis compounded by political and institutional instability

Pope Leo XIV called for international assistance for people in Somalia following the Angelus on Sunday, September 20. The Pope expressed concern that violence and extreme weather are worsening living conditions for the population, especially women and children.

The humanitarian situation is complicated by political instability between the federal government in Mogadishu and several member states, including Puntland, Jubaland, and South West State. These states accuse the federal government of approving constitutional amendments without their consent. Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintains he is the legitimate Head of State until May 15, 2027, based on amendments approved on March 30, 2024. However, the opposition argues his mandate expired on May 15, 2026, under the provisional constitution.

Tensions also involve Jubaland, which suspended cooperation with the central government in November 2024 and amended its own constitution to allow President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe to serve a third term. A court in Mogadishu subsequently issued an arrest warrant for Madobe. These political disputes occur alongside the effects of climatic phenomena such as El Niño.