Sunday June 14, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Saturday accused the federal government of carrying out attacks against opposition politicians and civilians during recent political unrest in Mogadishu.
Sharif, who leads the National Unity Party, said incidents in Abdiaziz and Hawlwadaag districts were planned attacks involving heavy weapons and government forces. He said the alleged aim was to suppress opposition figures and political opponents of the administration.
Sharif said his party had been preparing to open a new center and organize a peaceful protest when it was attacked by forces, he said should have been defending the country. He also said traditional elders and members of a political mediation team had faced similar attacks.
The former president accused government leaders of political intolerance and of abandoning principles of governance and political agreements that had guided Somalia’s electoral transition.
Sharif also alleged that troops were being moved from different parts of the country for political purposes instead of focusing on the fight against al-Shabab.
“Government weapons are intended for the defense of the people and the fight against the enemy, and it is not appropriate to target politicians or civilians,” Sharif said.
Sharif also condemned what he described as the arrest and repression of journalists and citizens expressing their views. He called on the government to release people he said were detained for political reasons.
The former president urged an end to political confrontation and called for talks to reach an agreement on Somalia’s electoral process.
“Peaceful and negotiated elections are the only way to maintain stability in the country,” Sharif said.
He called on government leaders to avoid authoritarianism and social division and to prioritize political agreement, dialogue and national stability.
