Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed spoke strongly about the country’s political and security situation, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government of being preoccupied with elections that lack consensus and of pursuing measures he warned could lead to conflict and bloodshed.
Sheikh Sharif noted that while the opposition and the government had long been discussing the electoral process, those efforts were hindered by what he described as an expired mandate.
He emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on the type of election to be held, the procedure for conducting it, and ensuring a fair contest.
“The focus should be on bringing people together and reaching a consensus,” Sheikh Sharif said.
Sheikh Sharif also mentioned that plans to hold a conference on elections in October had encountered obstacles.
He accused the government of engaging in what he termed “provocation” and war preparations directed at the opposition. “Among those challenges are the provocations and war preparations—which you have heard the outgoing administration is undertaking—aimed at launching an offensive against the opposition,” he said.
He stated that the volatile situation prevailing in some of the regional states must not be imported into Mogadishu.
“They have already destabilized the regional states and conflict is raging there; now, you want to bring that conflict into the capital city,” he said.
Sheikh Sharif specifically addressed allegations linking him to the United Arab Emirates; while acknowledging that he resides there, he dismissed this as a mere pretext that cannot justify shedding the blood of opposition politicians.
“Hassan Sheikh wants to legitimize shedding my blood by using the UAE as a pretext. Yes, I do reside in the UAE,” Sheikh Sharif said.
He argued that his presence in the UAE cannot serve as grounds for accusing him of actions hostile to the Somali government.
“It cannot be a justification for shedding the blood of those in the opposition who stand for respect for the constitution and for reaching an agreement on elections,” he said. Sheikh Sharif added that if someone calls for respect for the constitution, an agreement on the election process, and the avoidance of conflict, there is no reason to accuse them of bringing trouble to the country.
The former president also criticized the use of security forces and government institutions, stating that these bodies should not be deployed for what he described as provocations and political confrontations.
“Hassan Sheikh wants to use the weapons intended for fighting Al-Shabaab to cause destruction in Mogadishu,” Sheikh Sharif said.
He noted that the Somali people have endured long periods of war and hardship and wish to see a Somali government with institutions that function effectively.
Sheikh Sharif’s remarks come amidst circulating reports that the government is planning to attack the compounds where opposition leaders reside.
