MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday paid an unannounced visit to the residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu, in a rare meeting between two leaders whose relationship has sharply deteriorated amid an escalating dispute over the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for this year.
The talks came against the backdrop of intensifying political tensions, with the two men -once allies during the 2022 elections – now at odds over the direction and timing of the electoral process.
Follow us on X for trusted breaking news from Somalia and beyond, delivered in real time
However, according to a statement issued by Himilo Qaran, the political party led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the meeting focused primarily on personal grievances rather than the broader political environment.
“The meeting addressed personal grievances, and an agreement was reached on those issues,” Himilo Qaran said in the statement.
During the discussion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his willingness to convene a national consultative conference, a key demand previously put forward by opposition stakeholders, who had called for such a meeting to be held before January 20.
The president asked former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to play a prominent role in ensuring that the proposed conference delivers a national consensus and a mutually acceptable agreement.
The statement added that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue and sought Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s support in steering the process toward a broadly supported outcome.
For his part, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Somalia’s seventh president, said he was prepared to take part in any initiative that could unite Somalis and help resolve the current political crisis. He stressed the need for compromise, unity and genuine dialogue as the country navigates a period of heightened political uncertainty.
The meeting took place just weeks after the opposition issued a one-month ultimatum to the federal government, demanding talks to resolve disagreements over the electoral process. The opposition warned that failure to reach an agreement could prompt them to organise parallel elections, a move that would result in the formation of a rival administration and deepen the political impasse.
Sunday’s encounter, though centred on personal differences, marks a notable development in a standoff that has raised concerns about political fragmentation and stability in Somalia ahead of upcoming elections.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
