Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has denied allegations made by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) regarding his security detail, stating that the agency’s report does not reflect the reality of events that occurred near his residence.
A press release from the former president’s office stated that there have been concerning security incidents in recent days, including roadblocks and restrictions that hindered the movement of people and the delivery of essential services in the area where Sharif Sheikh Ahmed resides.
The statement also noted that some staff members from the former president’s office were abducted and that armed forces were deployed to locations near his residence. The office indicated that the former president’s side exercised restraint to avoid an armed confrontation.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed called for national security agencies to remain independent of political struggles and urged that the law be applied equally to all citizens and politicians in the country. He also warned against using unverified security allegations as a means of political pressure or intimidation targeting the opposition.
The former president stated that Somalia does not need a new security crisis, calling for political disputes to be resolved through dialogue, mutual trust, and an electoral process agreed upon by all parties.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s office held the government responsible for any consequences arising from illegal actions, urging security agencies, politicians, and international partners to work towards de-escalating the situation and resolving the ongoing disputes.
