Deepening Rift Emerges Within Somalia’s Opposition as Election Dispute Intensifies

Mogadishu (WDN) – Sharp divisions have reportedly emerged within Somalia’s Salvation Forum (Madasha Samatabixinta) over the country’s electoral model, exposing growing fractures in the opposition at a critical juncture in Somalia’s political transition.

According to informed sources close to the Salvation Forum, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed accused former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame of contributing to the fragmentation of the opposition bloc.

The sources said Sharif criticized the two leaders for focusing on internal opposition rivalries instead of maintaining a united front against the Federal Government. Sharif have reportedly argued that the lack of cohesion has prevented the opposition from adopting a common position on the proposed electoral framework, creating an opening for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to prolong political negotiations and gain valuable time.

According to the same sources, Khaire and Abdirahman Abdishakur rejected the criticism, telling Sharif that they had urged former President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmaajo” to join the Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka) when Turkish-mediated political talks first began. They claimed Farmaajo declined the invitation, citing his own reasons for remaining outside the coalition.