Somalia: Chaos Grips Somalia's Parliament As MPs Clash Physically, Armed Forces Intervene

Mogadishu — Somalia's lower house faced chaos on Wednesday. Lawmakers engaged in physical fights, revealing deep political divisions.

Armed security forces were deployed inside the chamber as tensions rose. Speaker Adan Madobe faced strong opposition from some MPs trying to block the session.

This session resumed after a week-long stalemate but quickly fell apart. Opposition lawmakers booed and heckled Madobe, accusing him of bias and violating the constitution. Over 100 MPs signed a motion to impeach him for unlawfully removing MP Abib's parliamentary immunity.

Videos on social media showed lawmakers shoving each other and exchanging blows. Armed security personnel watched over the chaos, raising concerns about escalating violence. No parliamentary business was conducted amid this disorder.

Madobe, elected speaker in April 2022, dismissed the opposition as a minority. He claimed only "20 MPs" opposed him and pushed to continue despite the uproar. Critics say he stifles legislative progress and acts as a rubber stamp for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.

The unrest follows weeks of friction in Somalia's House of the People. Internal divisions have stalled critical legislative priorities like electoral reforms and constitutional amendments. The parliament has been deadlocked for nearly two weeks, with opposition lawmakers accusing Madobe of obstructing sessions.

"This is a shameful display that undermines our parliament," said one anonymous opposition MP due to security concerns. "The speaker's refusal to address our grievances has turned the House into a battleground."

The crisis threatens Somalia's fragile political transition further. The country uses an indirect electoral system based on clan representation and struggles with delayed reforms for universal suffrage by 2026. Opposition leaders accuse the government of using chaos to maintain power, while Mogadishu blames internal dissent.

Somalia’s bicameral parliament has long faced leadership disputes and corruption allegations. Madobe, a former warlord with a controversial past, faces criticism for amassing illicit wealth and abusing authority.

Wednesday’s violence follows ongoing parliamentary dysfunction patterns. In December 2024, Madobe imposed salary cuts on MPs accused of causing disorder, deepening rifts within the chamber.

As the session collapsed, calls for dialogue grew louder. Analysts warned that ongoing gridlock could worsen broader challenges like insecurity from Al-Shabaab militants and tensions with regions like Jubaland.

No official statement has come from President Mohamud’s office regarding this unrest. As night fell in Mogadishu, legislative work remained at a standstill with no clear path forward.