A new political party, Justice and Unity, was officially launched in Somalia’s capital on Monday, drawing participation from the country’s highest-ranking leaders and marking a significant step in the evolving political landscape.
The event, held in Mogadishu, served as the party’s founding congress and formal entry into Somalia’s political system. The launch was attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and the Presidents of Southwest, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and SSC-Khaatumo. Thousands of supporters, civil society members, and political stakeholders also gathered to witness the announcement.
President Hassan Sheikh was unanimously elected as the party’s chairman and presidential candidate, while Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Southwest President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the First Deputy Speaker of the House of the People were appointed as vice-chairpersons. Prominent politician Abdirahman Odowaa was elected secretary-general.
The party’s formation signals a coordinated political initiative aligned with the federal leadership, and is seen by many as an attempt to solidify support for upcoming electoral reforms, including the country’s transition to universal suffrage.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Hamza urged the Somali public to “look beyond tribal divisions” and work toward a democratic future. President Hassan Sheikh reiterated the party’s commitment to enacting one person, one vote elections and finalizing the Transitional Federal Constitution, long delayed by political disagreements and insecurity.
Despite strong support from key regions, notable absences included Puntland and Jubbaland, underscoring the ongoing political rift between certain federal member states and the central government.
Critics argue that the Justice and Unity party functions as a federal alliance rather than a fully inclusive national party. Nonetheless, its launch has added momentum to Somalia’s broader push for electoral reform and the establishment of a multi-party democratic system.
With general elections on the horizon, Justice and Unity joins an expanding field of political parties vying to shape Somalia’s future as the country seeks to move away from clan-based indirect elections toward a universal suffrage model—a milestone yet to be realized in modern Somali history.