Villa Somalia’s Dangerous Dream: The Rise of the “Justice and Solidarity Party” and the Death of Pluralism
In a move that has alarmed political observers and opposition leaders alike, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration have officially declared the formation of a new political entity — the Justice and Solidarity Party. Backed by the full weight of the government, including the cabinet, the speaker of parliament, and select members of the Federal Parliament, this initiative is clearly not an ordinary party launch. Rather, it appears to be the cornerstone of a larger project: the creation of a de facto one-party state in Somalia.
Under the pretense of reform and “national unity,” this initiative is being cemented through a recently amended constitution — one many have condemned as illegitimate and unrepresentative. Rammed through by loyalists in parliament, this new legal framework appears tailored to consolidate Villa Somalia’s power, marginalize opposition parties, and sideline federal member states that resist centralization. In essence, this is not reform — it is regression. It is the dismantling of democratic norms to pave the way for long-term authoritarian rule.
A President of 4 km², Dreaming of an Empire
What makes this move particularly audacious and almost surreal is the limited scope of authority held by the current administration. The federal government, led by President HSM, effectively controls only a few square kilometers in Mogadishu, protected by foreign troops. Beyond that perimeter, vast regions of the country remain either in the hands of Al-Shabaab or are governed autonomously by federal member states that show little loyalty to Villa Somalia.
Despite this, HSM appears determined to shape Somalia’s future based on a centralized party-state model. He dreams of extending his authority across a fractured nation through a political monopoly — a dream that many in the country see as both detached from reality and fundamentally dangerous.
Imported Authoritarianism
The “Justice and Solidarity Party” is reportedly inspired by a foreign ally of HSM who has successfully implemented a one-party system in his own country. However, the stark difference between that ally’s state and Somalia cannot be overstated. That leader rules over a relatively stable, unified country with full territorial control. Somalia, by contrast, is a fragile federation with deep clan divisions, powerful regional states, and vast ungoverned spaces.
Attempting to impose a one-party model in such a context is not only unrealistic — it is provocative and destabilizing. It ignores Somalia’s complex political culture and the federal framework that has, despite its flaws, kept the country from total collapse.
Opposition Will Rise — And Already Has
Predictably, many federal states and most opposition parties have rejected this new political direction. There is widespread fear that the new party system is not about cooperation or justice, but about eradicating political competition and silencing dissent. The opposition, though fragmented, has already begun to mobilize. Protests, political boycotts, and increasing rhetorical resistance suggest that this project will face fierce pushback from across the spectrum.
The federal system while still developing is viewed by many Somalis as a crucial safeguard against the return of dictatorship. Forcing a centralized political vision down the country’s throat will likely deepen national divisions and risk plunging Somalia back into widespread instability.
Conclusion: A Delusion Doomed to Fail
President HSM’s attempt to monopolize Somalia’s political space through the Justice and Solidarity Party is a reckless gamble. It underestimates the country’s diversity, overestimates his own influence, and ignores the lessons of Somalia’s own history — where efforts to centralize power have repeatedly led to conflict, rebellion, and collapse.
Somalia’s future lies in consensus, not coercion; in pluralism, not party monopolies. The international community, civil society, and the Somali people must remain vigilant — for what is being proposed in Mogadishu today may well become the catalyst for tomorrow’s crisis.
ENG.ABDI ALI BARKHAD
Independent Political Analyst
Hargeisa Somaliland tra50526@gmail.com 8/5/2025
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a retired Somali electrical engineer, political analyst, and writer known for his comprehensive commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published numerous articles analysing current policies in the region and is a staunch advocate for the cause of the Republic of Somaliland. His insights have been featured on platforms such as Araweelo News Network and etc.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
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