Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has strongly criticized some of the country’s opposition politicians, warning them not to attempt to mobilize the military or engage in armed conflict.
The statement comes amid a tense political situation, after recent talks in Mogadishu between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders failed.
The minister specifically named former leaders who led the country, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame and former Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad
Fiqi accused the politicians of fomenting political unrest and possibly pursuing military plans that could undermine the country’s security.
He said that if they attempt to mobilize the military or incite civil unrest, the government would not hesitate to take strong action.
“They should not think of taking up arms against the government to intimidate the government or the people. Anyone who tries to do so will face the force of law and the national army,” said Minister Fiqi.
The statement followed the failure of a recent political meeting in Mogadishu, which was intended to resolve differences between the President and opposition politicians.
The opposition has expressed concerns about the expected electoral process, the electoral administration, and the role of regional governments.
Some political analysts believe that Fiqi’s statement is an attempt to intimidate the opposition into refraining from political mobilization, while others believe that there is a real fear of the possibility of an armed opposition returning to Somali politics, which has happened many times in the country in recent times.
