Somalia’s Parliament has approved constitutional amendments that could extend President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term by one year and delay planned elections. The country has faced instability since the fall of Mohamed Siad Barre’s government in 1991. While African Union forces have weakened the militant group Al‑Shabaab, it continues to control parts of rural Somalia and carry out attacks.

Opposition lawmakers have criticised the constitutional changes, warning that they could undermine democratic processes.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Advocate Sipho Mantula from the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at the University of South Africa (Unisa).