Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has accused the Federal Government of exerting pressure on opposition politicians, suggesting that the government and the Al-Shabaab group might be collaborating to target the opposition. He made these allegations during an interview in which he discussed the current political tension, the security situation in Mogadishu, and the dispute surrounding the country’s electoral process.
Sheikh Sharif stated that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud believes that if the opposition is removed from the political landscape, he would be free to do whatever he wishes in the country.
Responding to a question about the possibility of the government and Al-Shabaab colluding to target opposition politicians, Sheikh Sharif indicated that such a scenario is plausible. He added that there have been various instances involving the planning of such actions, though he did not provide further details regarding these allegations.
The former president also addressed an incident that he claimed took place on October 10th at his residence in Mogadishu, when security forces appeared in the vicinity of his home. He stated that this action was part of an effort to exert pressure on the opposition, noting that a demand had been made for the security forces to be withdrawn from the vicinity of his residence.
Sheikh Sharif mentioned that although tensions have eased, challenges persist—specifically regarding visitors to his home, the screening of individuals entering the premises, and the installation of surveillance cameras around his residence. He characterized these actions as the exploitation of state institutions for private agendas, rather than for the protection of public security.
In the interview, Sheikh Sharif rejected allegations that he and other opposition politicians pose a threat to the capital’s security. He clarified that his security detail consists of official personnel registered with the government, rather than irregular militias.
He argued that security forces must operate in accordance with the law and their mandated duties, and that they should not be used to suppress politicians or serve personal interests. Furthermore, he warned against diverting security forces from their constitutional obligations and called for state institutions to carry out their functions independently. Sheikh Sharif stated that the country’s political conflict can be resolved through dialogue leading to free and fair elections, while upholding the constitution and the established system of governance. He emphasized that the opposition does not fear elections; rather, it is essential to establish a process that all parties trust, ensuring that political competition takes place fairly.
The former president also criticized measures taken to obstruct peaceful demonstrations, asserting that citizens have the right to express their views and assemble peacefully, as guaranteed by the constitution. He urged the government to refrain from using security forces to suppress the opposition, and instead prioritize political dialogue and reaching an agreement regarding the country’s elections.