Somalia: Former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed denies his guards harassed NISA officers

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Sunday, June 28, 2026, disputed an account by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) that armed men under his command attacked its personnel in the capital. The dispute comes amid fears of armed confrontation, after local journalists reported that the government had deployed a large number of forces near his residence close to Mogadishu airport.

The same journalists report that the government plans to launch an operation against his home to disarm him, along with other opposition figures.

Key points

In a statement issued on Sunday, NISA said armed militias under Sharif’s command attacked its Public Protection Forces in Wadajir District, Banadir Region.

The agency alleges that one officer was abducted on June 24, 2026, and that its operations were obstructed on June 27, 2026.

Sharif responded the same day, saying all incidents must be “properly documented, thoroughly investigated, and independently verified.”

Local journalists report a large government deployment near his home and a planned operation to disarm him and other opposition figures.

NISA’s allegations

In its Sunday statement, NISA said it “strongly condemns the armed attacks and acts of aggression” directed against its Public Protection Forces operating in the General Da’ud Section of Wadajir District. It said the incident involved “armed militias operating under the command of former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.”

The agency said the militias “attempted to provoke a violent confrontation with security personnel.” Its own forces, it said, “demonstrated restraint, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility,” avoiding any action that could have escalated tensions or endangered civilian lives.

According to NISA, evidence it has gathered indicates that militia members armed with AK-47 rifles, BKM machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) forcibly entered residential properties in the Tiintiinley neighbourhood of Wadajir District.

The agency set out two earlier incidents:

June 24, 2026: the militias “attacked NISA’s Public Protection Forces and abducted one officer who was carrying out his official duties.”

June 27, 2026: the militias “once again obstructed security operations conducted by NISA personnel in the General Da’ud Section.”

NISA described itself as a law enforcement and national security institution that “operates strictly within the framework of the law and remains independent of political rivalries.” It said it “will not allow its personnel to be drawn into political disputes,” and that it remains committed to “maintaining peace and stability in the capital.”

Sharif’s response

Responding in a statement of his own on Sunday, Sharif called for an independent examination of the incidents. “All these incidents must be properly documented, thoroughly investigated, and independently verified,” he said. “Any unlawful conduct must be addressed, and individuals found responsible must be held personally accountable, regardless of whether they acted under the name or authority of the state.”

He called on NISA’s leadership “to refrain from misleading the Somali public, which is already struggling with humanitarian challenges caused by storms, torrential rains, and the forced displacement of people from their homes and the unlawful seizure of their property, particularly land.”

National security institutions, he said, “must remain independent of political rivalries and operate strictly within the law, protecting all citizens equally and without discrimination.”

Warning over political pressure

Sharif cautioned against using security incidents or unverified allegations as political tools. “We warn against the use of security incidents or allegations that have not yet been independently verified as instruments of political pressure, intimidation, or attempts to silence opposition politicians advocating a consensual electoral process,” he said.

Somalia’s political situation, he said, “demands prudence, responsibility, and leadership that avoids actions capable of triggering armed confrontation.” He added: “The country does not need another security crisis, nor should political disagreements be transformed into conflict that threatens civilian lives and the stability of the country.”

On responsibility for any escalation, he said: “The responsibility for any consequences arising from unlawful actions or measures that provoke confrontation rests with the outgoing administration.”

“Peace, Dialogue, and a Political Solution”

Under the heading “Our Position: Peace, Dialogue, and a Political Solution”, the statement said Sharif “has no interest in creating insecurity, inciting conflict, or causing bloodshed.” He “firmly believes,” it said, that Somalia’s political disputes can be resolved through “genuine dialogue, mutual trust, and an electoral process based on broad political agreement.”

Fears of confrontation

Tension in the capital has risen over the reported deployment. Local journalists say the government has positioned a large number of forces near Sharif’s home close to Mogadishu airport and is preparing an operation against the residence to disarm him and other opposition figures.

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