Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, has reaffirmed that the current federal government’s term in office is five years, stating that this is clearly stipulated in the recently approved constitution.

Speaking at an event in Mogadishu, the Prime Minister addressed the country’s political situation, warning against attempts to destabilise the government. “There are politicians seeking to create unrest in order to challenge the government, but we will respond firmly. The government’s term is five years, and there is no deviation from that — whether referring to the 2012 constitution or the newly adopted one,” he said.

His remarks come in response to opposition figures who argue that the current administration’s mandate is nearing its end and are calling for a broadly agreed electoral framework.

The Prime Minister’s statement coincides with rising political tensions in Somalia, as opposition groups continue to hold a series of meetings to strategise on how to respond to what they describe as plans by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend his term in office.