MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s main opposition leaders have accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of neglecting the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab militants in favour of pursuing divisive political agendas and repressing dissent.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the Somali Salvation Forum – a coalition that includes former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, two former prime ministers, and several prominent political figures – warned that Al-Shabaab fighters are regaining control of towns they had been previously driven out of, while the government’s focus shifts to “displacing the poor,” political maneuvering, and land sales.
The group urged the federal government to urgently refocus on counter-insurgency efforts and to adopt a comprehensive national strategy aimed at defeating the militants, who continue to pose a grave threat to Somalia’s stability.
“The government must prioritise the security and safety of its citizens over controversial and unilateral political undertakings,” the Forum said.
Electoral Process Under Fire
The opposition also took aim at the government’s management of the electoral process, criticising recent electoral bills, the formation of a new electoral commission, and what they described as an attempt to engineer term extensions through simultaneous municipal, regional, and federal elections.
They called for a “practical and broadly agreed” electoral framework to be implemented within the current terms of the presidency and parliament – stressing the need for a process that improves on the 2022 election.
The Forum warned of potentially dire consequences if the government proceeds with what it termed an “election of gun and abduction,” without consensus on the status of the capital, Mogadishu, and without agreement on the mandate and composition of the electoral commission.
Accusations of Repression and Land Sales
The opposition further condemned what it described as a pattern of repression under President Mohamud, including the arrest of clan leader Hussein Mohamed Hadole, allegedly for expressing dissenting views.
“It is unacceptable in any democratic society to detain individuals simply for voicing their opinions,” the Forum said.
They also accused the government of illegally displacing civilians and selling public land on the black market. The statement called on President Mohamud to reverse recent amendments to the 2012 provisional constitution, which they said had previously enjoyed broad national consensus and helped stabilise political discourse.
Concerns Over National Unity
Expressing concern over what they view as the erosion of Somalia’s image and unity, the Forum said the administration’s actions risk derailing hard-won state-building efforts and fragmenting the country further.
They urged the government to allow regional state elections to proceed without delay and to engage in a more inclusive political dialogue aimed at preserving national cohesion and democratic legitimacy.
The Somali government has yet to issue a response to the opposition’s claims.
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