Somali Opposition MPs Say They Survived Attack, Accuse Government of Creating Political Pressure

MOGADISHU (SD) — Opposition members of Somalia’s Federal Parliament say they survived an attempted attack in Mogadishu, accusing the government of creating an increasingly difficult and unsafe environment for politicians who challenge President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership.

Speaking at a press conference, the lawmakers said they believed the incident was planned and that they were deliberately targeted. They called for an independent investigation and stronger protection for opposition members of parliament.

MP Sadiq Abdullahi Abdi said on October 30 that he survived an attempted assassination near the Electricity Zone in Mogadishu. Other lawmakers described the incident as part of what they see as growing pressure and threats against opposition politicians.

MP Ali Mahdi Kalato accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of trying to remain in power while pushing political opponents aside. He said the president’s leadership had created serious difficulties for the opposition and warned that more politicians could be at risk.

MP Kalato also said opposition members had received information about possible plans to target other politicians. However, the lawmakers did not publicly identify those they believe were behind the reported attack or provide evidence linking the incident to government officials.

From the opposition’s perspective, the incident reflects a wider problem in Somalia’s political environment, where disagreements over elections and the president’s political future have created deep mistrust between the government and its critics.

The lawmakers called on the authorities to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that members of parliament can carry out their political duties without fear of attacks or intimidation.

For the opposition, the reported attack is another warning that political disagreements in Somalia are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Opposition politicians believe that instead of creating space for dialogue and reaching an agreement on elections, the government is allowing an atmosphere of pressure and fear to develop.

Their main concern is that politicians who challenge the president could face threats or intimidation, making it harder for them to speak freely, organize political activities and take part in the country’s political process.

The opposition also sees the incident in the wider context of the dispute over elections and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s political future. They argue that the country needs an agreed electoral process rather than decisions made by one side without the support of other political groups.

However, the claims of a planned assassination attempt and possible government involvement have not been independently established. An impartial investigation would be needed to determine who was responsible and whether the incident was politically motivated.

From the opposition’s point of view, the central issue is not only the safety of the MPs but also the protection of political freedom in Somalia. They want guarantees that opposition leaders can challenge the government, participate in negotiations and compete in elections without fear of being targeted.

Unless these concerns are addressed, the growing mistrust could agree with the government and opposition even more difficult to achieve.