MOGADISHU-In a defining moment for Somalia’s political evolution, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre officially unveiled the Justice and Unity Party (JSP) at a high-profile luncheon in Mogadishu. The launch of the new party comes at a critical time, as Somalia prepares to hold its first direct, one person, one vote elections in over five decades—a historic milestone slated for next year.
The event drew government leaders, lawmakers, traditional elders, civil society representatives, and international observers. Many hailed the formation of JSP as a turning point in the nation’s long quest for inclusive governance, political stability, and national unity.
“A National Movement, Not Just a Party”
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, delivering the keynote address, described JSP as more than a political organization—it is, he said, the dawn of a national movement aimed at transforming Somalia’s future.
“Tonight’s launch is not just the birth of a political party it is the beginning of a national movement,” the President declared. “A movement that shines as a new light of hope and ambition for the Somali people, who seek to overcome the political darkness that has caused stagnation and prolonged disunity in our country and among our people.”
He further emphasized that JSP is built on principles of justice, meritocracy, unity, and national reform, inviting Somalis across all regions and walks of life to join in reshaping the country’s political future.
“JSP reflects the will of the Somali people to move past the transitional period and embrace a democratic system based on competence, unity, and good governance,” President Mohamud said. “We call on all Somalis to join us on this new journey of rebuilding the nation one that is free from clan divisions and rooted in inclusive representation.”
Challenging the Legacy of the 4.5 System
A major theme of the launch was the need to move beyond the 4.5 clan-based power-sharing model, which has defined Somali politics for over two decades. The 4.5 system, while originally introduced to ensure representation and reduce conflict among clans, has in recent years faced growing criticism for entrenching divisions, weakening merit-based leadership, and stalling institutional reforms.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addressed this directly in his speech, calling JSP a vehicle for reclaiming the constitutional power of the Somali people.
“After tireless effort and dedication, tonight we officially launched the political organization Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) a symbol of our nation’s progress toward multi-party democracy and a major milestone for the Somali people,” he said.
“We solemnly pledge to the honorable people of Somalia that we will restore their constitutional power, allowing them to freely choose who they believe is best suited to represent them and lead their future and destiny,” Barre affirmed. “The Justice and Unity Organization stands for returning power to the Somali people in order to overcome the 4.5 system, which is an obstacle to development and social unity.
A New Era Beckons: Toward One Person, One Vote
The launch of JSP comes as Somalia readies itself for a groundbreaking electoral shift: the introduction of universal suffrage, expected in 2026. For decades, Somali elections have been shaped by indirect voting and power-sharing arrangements among clans. The upcoming elections mark a bold move toward democratization, transparency, and citizen empowerment.
Political observers believe that the formation of JSP, with its strong reformist message, could signal the beginning of the end for the 4.5 system and usher in a new political era based on equality, national identity, and accountable leadership.
The emergence of the Justice and Unity Party (JSP)—championed by Somalia’s top leaders—
