Former Presidents of Somalia Condemn Government's Targeting of Citizens and Opposition

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo accused officials of targeting opposing politicians and using government security resources against critics.

The two former presidents accused the federal government of taking steps against opposition figures and political leaders, following a series of security operations that took place in Mogadishu last week.

Speaking at a joint press conference held in the capital, former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo criticized what they described as government-funded attacks against politicians opposing the extension of the government's term.

The former presidents accused security forces of targeting opposition figures and using government resources intended for counter-terrorism operations to carry out attacks on the homes of former officials and presidential candidates.

“The weapons and intelligence equipment meant to be used against the enemy have been used against politicians, including myself, and that is unacceptable,” said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, claiming that government security resources have been redirected against political opponents instead of addressing the security threats facing the country.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed denied reports that weapons were seized from opposition leaders during the operations. He described those claims as government propaganda and accused officials of trying to justify actions against those opposing their policies.

On the other hand, former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo stated that he personally invites the outgoing President to a face-to-face meeting with the three of them to reach a Somali solution without the need for foreign interference.

Former President Hassan Sheikh's term is up. He must work with all stakeholders to keep Somalia together, not drive it apart. Former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and I have extended an invitation to him for a meeting to discuss the way forward on elections and national future. pic.twitter.com/831EuVD4Lz