Former Somali president accuses Somali government of targeting opposition, civilians in Mogadishu

Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Saturday accused the federal government of carrying out attacks against opposition politicians and civilians during recent political unrest in Mogadishu.

Sharif, who leads the National Unity Party, said incidents in Abdiaziz and Hawlwadaag districts were planned attacks involving heavy weapons and government forces. He said the alleged aim was to suppress opposition figures and political opponents of the administration.

Sharif said his party had been preparing to open a new center and organize a peaceful protest when it was attacked by forces, he said should have been defending the country. He also said traditional elders and members of a political mediation team had faced similar attacks.

The former president accused government leaders of political intolerance and of abandoning principles of governance and political agreements that had guided Somalia’s electoral transition.