Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and other prominent opposition figures held a press conference in Mogadishu on Tuesday, expressing serious concerns about the country’s current political direction and recent diplomatic developments.
Speaking from his residence, Sheikh Sharif, alongside Federal Parliament members Professor Abdi Ismail Samatar and Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, criticized various aspects of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s governance, particularly focusing on constitutional amendments and foreign policy decisions.
Sheikh Sharif condemned the government’s approach to constitutional amendments, stating that the country’s original constitution was based on consensus. “It is unfortunate that the amended constitution that was not based on an agreement is now being sought to hold elections without an agreement, which cannot happen in the country at all,” he declared.
The former president highlighted what he described as diplomatic inconsistencies, particularly regarding Somalia’s relationship with Ethiopia. He pointed out that both houses of Parliament had passed a resolution demanding Ethiopia’s withdrawal from its January 1, 2024, agreement with Somaliland before any diplomatic engagement. “Ethiopia has not yet withdrawn from that agreement or apologized,” Sheikh Sharif noted, questioning why Parliament wasn’t consulted about the recent diplomatic reversal.
Abdirahman Abdishakur accused President Hassan Sheikh of creating division within the country. He alleged that the president had established “hand-picked” institutions, including the election law, party law, and election commission. Abdishakur further claimed that national assets, including the National Fairgrounds and Villa Baidoa, were being auctioned off, following the controversial sale of Somali National University land.
Professor Samatar focused his criticism on foreign policy matters, suggesting that President Hassan Sheikh’s recent agreement with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was driven by personal interests rather than national concerns. The agreement, reached in Ankara by the end of 2024, preceded President Hassan Sheikh’s recent visit to Ethiopia.
The opposition leaders also expressed concern about the recent agreement between Turkey and Somalia, which they claim was approved without proper parliamentary oversight. Sheikh Sharif specifically questioned the timing of this agreement, noting its coincidence with Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions.
The press conference highlighted several key issues of concern:
- The implementation of constitutional amendments without consensus
- The formation of what they termed a “special group” electoral commission
- The absence of key stakeholders including Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland from national discussions
- Controversial diplomatic agreements with Ethiopia and Turkey
- The alleged mismanagement of national assets
These criticisms come as President Hassan Sheikh continues his diplomatic engagement with Ethiopia, having recently visited the country with stated aims of improving bilateral relations.
HORSEED MEDIA
