Somali Opposition Leaders Raise Concerns Over Political Direction

Mogadishu, Somalia — As Somalia navigates its turbulent political landscape, a gathering of influential opposition leaders has voiced significant concerns about the direction President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government is taking. Could this be a moment of reckoning for Somalia’s democracy?

This sentiment emerged after a three-day conference in Mogadishu. The event, rich in dialogue, included pivotal discussions with civil society groups, women, elders, and business leaders.

A Chorus of Concern

In a statement marked by urgency, the Opposition Forum cautioned that President Hassan Sheikh’s current approach to political decision-making could destabilize Somalia’s recent security achievements. A spokesperson lamented, “This is a dangerous turn that could undo years of hard-won progress.”

Allegations of Partisan Politics

The forum accused the president of sidelining essential federal member states like Puntland and Jubaland, while concurrently promoting loyal administrations in regions such as South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle. It seems a strategic consolidation of power is in play, isn’t it?

These regional leaders, now part of the president’s Union for Peace and Development Party (JSP), are perceived as efforts to cement control. A poignant assertion in the communiqué read, “The illegal term extensions, partisan alignments, and dismantling of the National Consultative Council (NCC) point to President Hassan Sheikh’s authoritarian ambitions and a strategy to engineer a one-man election.”

Misuse of Public Resources

There are sharp allegations of corruption, land grabbing, and misappropriation of public funds. The opposition raised alarms about clandestine agreements with foreign companies concerning Somalia’s natural resources—an issue that they believe disproportionately benefits an elite few.

Safeguarding Press Freedom and Civil Liberties

The increase in restrictions on press freedom has not gone unnoticed. Reports of journalist arrests and equipment seizures, primarily targeting those reporting on contentious forced voter registrations, paint a worrying picture. “These actions are unacceptable and only worsen the already precarious safety of Somali journalists,” the statement declared.

The forum called for a return to constitutional principles, decrying alleged amendments to the Provisional Federal Constitution by President Hassan Sheikh. An independent electoral commission and fair elections are viewed as immediate necessities.

A Call for Unity

“We call for an urgent national dialogue involving all stakeholders—federal leaders, state authorities, and opposition figures—to steer the country away from political collapse and the threat of extremism,” resonated through their message.

Dialogues with North Western State of Somalia

The need to revisit discussions with North Western State of Somalia was emphasized after negotiations halted due to perceived provocations, such as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod. A setback, no doubt — but is reconciliation still within reach?

The joint statement bore the endorsement of notable Somali figures such as Former Presidents, Parliamentary Speakers, and Ministers, underscoring the breadth of support for this movement.

The conference unfolded against a backdrop of mounting political strain, with warnings that, absent significant changes, Somalia might backslide into instability.