MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a significant escalation of political tension, former Somali leaders Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, Hassan Ali Khaire, and Abdirahman Abdishakur have issued a scathing rebuke of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The trio accused the president of exploiting failed reconciliation talks in Mogadishu to conceal efforts to extend his term, branding his actions as illegal.
The statement from the ex-leaders, released jointly, highlighted their opposition to what they described as a “blatant manipulation of power.” They vowed to thwart any such extension through legal challenges, pointing to a prior instance where similar attempts were thwarted under a different presidency.
“We are determined not to let history repeat itself,” the statement said. “The rule of law must prevail over personal ambitions.”
Their critique extends to Mohamud’s commitment to a “one person, one vote” system, labeling it as a ruse to distract from his true intentions of extending his presidency. This accusation surfaces amidst Somalia’s complex political arena, already strained by the battle against Al-Shabaab militants and critical governance reforms.
The resilience of Al-Shabaab recently rebranded as Khawarij, has put into question the government’s narrative of nearing a decisive victory against the insurgents. Critics within Somalia and the international community are increasingly concerned that this internal political conflict could undermine efforts to stabilize the region, especially with the impending withdrawal of African Union troops by December.
Somalia’s political stability remains precarious, with this latest standoff highlighting deep-rooted issues of governance and the rule of law. Observers suggest that such divisions at the top could further destabilize Somalia, complicating the already challenging task of security and state-building.
The international community, while not directly intervening, has expressed unease about the potential ramifications of this political discord on Somalia’s fragile state and its implications for regional security.
HORN LIFE
