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Somali president holds unannounced talks with ex-leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, signaling push for national dialogue MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met behind closed doors late Sunday with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu, an unannounced encounter that signals a possible easing of political tensions as the country grapples with overlapping security, governance and constitutional challenges. The meeting brought together two of Somalia’s most influential political figures after months…

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo warned that Somalia is sliding into a deeper crisis, citing deteriorating security, political, economic and social conditions, and urging national dialogue and unity to avert further instability. In a statement issued Monday, Farmaajo said the country faces “serious security challenges,” accusing the current government of failing to adequately counter the threat posed by terrorist groups. He warned that fragmentation within the national army has weakened the…

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said Friday that an opposition coalition conference planned in Kismayo will focus on forging a unified political vision and a credible path to national elections, rejecting claims the gathering is meant to form a parallel government. “The objective of the Kismayo conference is to agree on a common vision, particularly on elections, not to form a new government,” Sharif said in remarks to reporters, framing the meeting as a push for a viable, fair and inclusive electoral…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed warned Wednesday that Somalia is not ready for a genuine one-person, one-vote election, arguing that the country’s fragile security and the absence of core institutions put its democratic transition at risk. In an interview with the BBC Somali Service, Sheikh Sharif said the government’s timetable for direct voting remains more rhetorical than real, citing the lack of enabling laws, functioning political parties and credible security arrangements. “One-person,…

Somalia not ready for one-person, one-vote, ex-President Sheikh Sharif warns MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed says Somalia is not prepared for a genuine one-person, one-vote election, warning that the country’s security and future are at serious risk without a broad political agreement and practical groundwork. In an interview with the BBC Somali Service on Wednesday, Sheikh Sharif said the current push by the government for nationwide direct elections does not reflect realities on the ground…