Political Noose Tightens Around Hassan Sheikh as Opposition Moves Toward Unity

Mogadishu (WDN) — The political pressure surrounding Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is intensifying as opposition leaders accelerate efforts to close ranks ahead of an expected meeting between the president and Somalia’s political opposition.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, representing the Future Council, held a significant and closely watched meeting with former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, the leader of the Nabad & Nolol political bloc.

Sources familiar with the developments say the meeting was driven by two immediate concerns. First, expectations are growing that a long-awaited meeting between President Hassan and opposition leaders could take place soon. Second, the Future Council reportedly learned that Villa Somalia was exploring ways to bring Farmaajo into its political camp in an effort to ease mounting international pressure on the government to reach an agreement with the opposition.

The reports appear to have triggered a counter-strategy among opposition leaders: unite before the government can divide them.