Thursday September 5, 2024
FILE - Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is seen seated during an official meeting, expressing his concerns over Somalia's national unity and the government's handling of Ethiopia's territorial claims.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has condemned the Somali Federal Government for what he describes as a weak and ineffective approach to countering Ethiopia's territorial claims over Somali land and waters.
In a press release on Wednesday, Sheikh Sharif expressed serious concern over Ethiopia's ambitions, warning that the government's failure to decisively threatens Somalia's sovereignty. He called for stronger national leadership and unity among Somalis to fend off external threats.
Sheikh Sharif, who led the country as president from 2009 to 2012, warned that tribal mobilization and divisive language are undermining the government's role in guiding the nation. He accuses it of contributing to a culture of political infighting and disunity.
"The government's role in steering the nation towards unity and preparing the people for defence has been neglected," the former president stated. "The only way we can safeguard our country from external threats, including those posed by Ethiopia, is through solidarity and national unity."
Sheikh Sharif also called on Somali citizens, both inside and outside the country, to reject tribalism and rally behind their nation's defence. He reminded the public that Somalia's previous collapse was driven by internal divisions, warning against a repeat of history.
"Our people lost their previous government to tribalism, and now is not the time to walk down that dangerous path again," Sheikh Sharif said, urging the Somali population to unite in the face of Ethiopia's territorial ambitions.