Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khayre and Mohamed Hussein Rooble, and politician Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame held a private meeting last night at Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s residence in Mogadishu.
The meeting, which took place in secret, was said to be of particular importance to the political structure of the Somali opposition, and came at a time when talks with the government had collapsed.
Reliable sources have confirmed that the meeting is based on a new plan to build a coalition of leading candidates. The aim of this plan is to unite senior opposition candidates to participate in the country’s political process, especially during the transition period and preparations for the upcoming elections.
It has also been confirmed that former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon “Saacid” is part of this new coalition, which increases the political weight of this coalition.
Although the meeting was attended by key members of the Salvation Forum, such as Amb. Daahir Mohamud Guelleh, former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, informed sources have confirmed that the Salvation Forum has not disbanded and is continuing its political activities and discussions.
The meeting, which took place without formal notification to all members of the Opposition Forum, reflects a shift in strategy, as it appears that the leaders who met want to create a separate platform for senior candidates to unite their political positions and participate in the future of the country.
This clearly indicates the differences in views that have arisen within the opposition, but it is not yet clear whether this will lead to a formal split or whether it will be smoothly established into two platforms representing the political interests of the opposition.
This new alliance has become a new political step that can encourage the strengthening of the voice of opposition candidates, and can further strengthen their role in the electoral process and matters of public interest in the country.
However, the response from the other members of the Forum, and the impact this may have on the overall unification of the Somali opposition, is awaited.
