Respected Somali Islamic scholar Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Umal has issued a scathing criticism of Somalia’s leadership and governance system, calling for its complete overhaul.

In a widely shared speech, Sheikh Umal said Somalia’s political crisis, which has persisted for more than 30 years, is unlikely to end unless citizens adopt realistic and meaningful change.

The cleric cited the harmful “Balkanisation” of Somalia, where regions have increasingly operated as separate entities under the names of various “lands”, as a key driver of instability.

“This is not a solution, and it must come to an end,” Sheikh Umal stated, criticising the ongoing fragmentation of national authority.

The remarks follow rising tensions between Somalia’s federal government and some member states. Jubaland and Puntland are in dispute with Mogadishu, and fighting has broken out in Beled Hawo between federal forces and Jubaland troops.

Sheikh Umal criticised regional leaders for frequently opposing the central government, although he reserved strong words for Somalia’s federal leadership as well, accusing it of acting out of self-interest rather than prioritising the public good.

The cleric urged citizens to examine the current state of their country, saying that it is illogical for conflicts to be repeated year after year without any hope of resolution.

He urged people to acknowledge that the current leaders serve themselves, not the country, warning that no nation can thrive under corrupt leadership.

“A society run by bad leaders, like in Somalia right now, doesn’t succeed,” he warned.

Sheikh Umal’s speech has sparked heated conversations, with many Somalis seeing it as a call for the country to reflect and a plea to break out of the prolonged political mess.