Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has strongly criticized an interview given by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who described security in Mogadishu as unreliable.
Minister Fiqi accused Sharif and members of the Salvation Forum of rejecting three key issues of governance: elections, the constitution, and the country’s security.
Minister Fiqi, in a brief post on his Facebook page, said that the Forum has consistently opposed the government’s efforts to implement the electoral process, complete the constitution, and ensure security in the capital and the country as a whole.
“They rejected the elections, they rejected the constitution, and now they are challenging the existing security that the people and foreign forces in the country have acknowledged,” said Minister Fiqi.
Minister Fiqi also noted that Mogadishu will be the center of political activity this month, as it prepares for the elections.
“Those who are responsible for the security and development of the country will work on the ongoing issues. Anyone who opposes this is against the development of our nation,” he added.
In an interview with the BBC, former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed discussed several issues related to the elections, noting that elections begin with an agreement and security and a process of agreement that is implemented in the country, saying that the country’s security is at a critical juncture.
