MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has sharply denounced President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for purportedly mobilizing troops with the intent to suppress opposition figures in the capital, warning of severe repercussions should such actions be pursued.
Sharif drew a stark historical parallel, reminding that the deployment of military force to consolidate grip on power failed former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, despite Barre commanding one of Africa’s most formidable armies, staffed in part by his own sons trained at elite international military academies.
The ex-leader urged President Mohamud to redirect military efforts toward combating the Islamist insurgency of Al-Shabaab, emphasizing that opposition leaders remain unarmed—having relinquished weapons years ago—and are committed solely to securing transparent, democratic elections.
“If the President is confident in his mandate, he should contest freely and respect the electorate’s verdict,” Sharif asserted.
This denunciation follows reports indicating that President Mohamud has begun assembling a security force predominantly drawn from his clan, placing it under the command of loyalists from the same clan. Concurrently, he has reportedly dismissed several senior security officials suspected of opposition sympathies or unwillingness to enforce directives against political rivals.
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