Mogadishu (WDN) – Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has agreed to voluntarily leave the residence he recently occupied in the Mirinaayo area of Mogadishu and return to his longtime home near the airport, a move widely seen as a significant step toward easing recent political and security tensions in the capital.

The decision follows several days of intensive mediation led by traditional elders, political leaders, and other influential community figures who worked tirelessly to prevent the dispute from escalating into a wider confrontation.

According to multiple sources, a private meeting between Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and a delegation of respected traditional elders played a crucial role in reaching an understanding aimed at defusing tensions in Mirinaayo. Among those involved in the mediation was Ugaas Maxamuud Cali Ugaas, one of Somalia’s prominent traditional leaders known for his role in reconciliation and conflict resolution efforts.

Sources indicate that the elders urged the former president to prioritize the stability of Mogadishu and avoid any course of action that could increase the risk of armed confrontation. Their message reportedly focused on preserving peace, encouraging dialogue, and creating space for broader political engagement.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is expected to leave Mirinaayo and return to his residence near Jazeera Hotel, close to Aden Adde International Airport, later today.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the former president declined to receive a high-level delegation that had been dispatched to meet him. The delegation reportedly included the Commander of the Somali National Army and the Chairman of the Military Court. Rather than engaging directly with the officials, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is said to have preferred that ongoing discussions continue through traditional elders and other neutral mediators involved in the reconciliation process.

The decision to leave Mirinaayo as an important gesture of compromise that could help calm the tensions that have gripped Mogadishu in recent days. The move is also expected to reduce concerns about a possible confrontation between security forces and armed personnel stationed in the area.

Nevertheless, there has been no confirmation from former President Hassan Sheikh’s side. The proposed compromise appears largely focused on concessions from the opposition, while Hassan Sheikh remains firm on his unilateral electoral and constitutional changes — an approach that is unlikely to produce a lasting political settlement, but rather a short-term fix aimed at halting the immediate clashes.

The Mirinaayo standoff has dominated Somalia’s political landscape over the past week, prompting appeals from traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and members of the international community for restraint, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution.

While the immediate crisis appears to be easing, attention is now shifting toward the next phase of political engagement. Many observers believe that the spirit of compromise demonstrated during the mediation process offers an opportunity for the Federal Government and opposition leaders to pursue broader dialogue on key national issues, including elections, security arrangements, and the future direction of Somalia’s political transition.

For many Somalis, the peaceful resolution of the Mirinaayo dispute serves as a reminder that even in moments of deep political disagreement, dialogue, patience, and traditional mediation remain powerful tools for preserving national unity and preventing conflict. The coming days will reveal whether this breakthrough can become the foundation for a wider process of reconciliation and political consensus.

WardheerNews

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