MOGADISHU — A coalition of Somali opposition figures, including former presidents, prime ministers, parliamentarians, and politicians, gathered in Mogadishu today for a high-profile conference focused on the country’s escalating political and security challenges.
The conference, held in the capital, brought together influential leaders from the Independent Somali opposition, many of whom voiced strong concerns about what they described as a deteriorating democratic process under the current administration.
Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed delivered one of the most pointed critiques, accusing the federal government of manipulating the electoral process and abusing its authority to force a unilateral outcome.
“People are being registered by force. Universities are complaining. Elections are not by force. The country’s leadership cannot be decided by a single party,” said Sheikh Sharif. “The President sat with us here as an opposition leader during the last election—so what changed?”
Echoing these sentiments, former Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Mursal called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to heed the same accountability he once demanded. “When Hassan Sheikh was in the opposition, I and former President Farmaajo listened to his complaints. Today, it is his turn to listen to us,” Mursal said.
Concerns were also raised about the potential political fragmentation of the country. Opposition politician Hassan Abdinur warned that key regional states could disengage from the federal process. “Today, Somaliland is already absent. It is alarming to even suggest that Puntland and Jubbaland might follow. The parliament should not be subordinate to Hassan Sheikh,” he said.
Former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble emphasized the significance of the gathering, framing it as an effort to protect Somalia’s fragile political framework.
“This conference is meant to preserve the integrity of our political system,” Roble said. “We hope it will result in meaningful steps to safeguard the country’s future.”
The opposition conference highlights deepening divisions within Somalia’s political landscape, as concerns grow over federal overreach, regional alienation, and the fairness of the upcoming elections.
