Mogadishu, Somalia — Political tensions in Somalia’s capital have intensified after security forces carried out operations targeting properties linked to prominent figures associated with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, raising concerns over a deepening political crisis.
On Saturday, heavily armed security personnel entered the Elite Hotel, a well-known beachfront establishment in Mogadishu’s Abdiaziz district. The hotel is owned by Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, a former government minister, who accused the authorities of attempting to seize or destroy his property.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr Nur said security forces arrived at the hotel at around 11:30 local time and surrounded the premises. He alleged that employees and security guards were gathered in one area while officers conducted what they described as a search operation.
Mr Nur claimed that weapons and explosives brought onto the premises by the security forces were later photographed in an attempt to justify action against the hotel.
“These forces were sent by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and he takes responsibility for what was done to that business centre,” Mr Nur wrote. The government has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Meanwhile, security forces also surrounded the residence of former Somali National Army commander Gen. Yusuf Odowa in the Abdiaziz district. According to security sources, officers sought to conduct a search of the property, but the general’s guards reportedly refused entry.
The standoff has raised fears of renewed clashes in the capital as mediation efforts continue following armed confrontations in Mogadishu earlier this week.
The latest developments come days after tensions escalated between the government and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Supporters of the former leader say security forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud targeted his residence on Wednesday night.
Following negotiations, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed later left his compound in the Abdiaziz district and returned to another residence near Mogadishu’s international airport, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Many of the individuals affected by the recent security operations belong to the same clan as the former president, leading some political observers to question whether the actions are linked to broader political rivalries.
The incidents occur against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute over delayed national elections. International partners and regional actors have been engaged in efforts to encourage dialogue between Somalia’s political stakeholders and prevent further instability.
Analysts warn that the latest security operations could complicate those efforts and deepen divisions at a time when the country faces significant political and security challenges.
