Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has called for political dialogue to resolve disputes over elections, constitutional issues and the country’s political transition.
Sharif, who served as president from 2009 to 2012, said Somalia was facing multiple challenges, including political, security and constitutional disputes, at a time when political actors had yet to agree on the country's electoral process and the way forward for its political system.
“We cannot stand by as Somalis are divided day after day. We will hold your hands before Somalia collapses and breaks apart,” Sharif said, calling for political leaders to meet and find a negotiated solution to the crisis.
He said the period set for changes to the country's political system had ended and argued that the government and opposition should sit down to discuss elections and how to manage the political transition.
Sharif said previous meetings between opposition groups and the federal government had taken place over the past two years but had failed, in his view, to produce a political agreement. He urged the parties to work towards an electoral framework that enjoys broad political acceptance and can prevent further confrontation.
The former president also raised concerns over Somalia's security situation and disputes between the federal government and some federal member states. He warned that continued political disagreements could have wider implications for the country's unity and governance.
Somalia has been experiencing heightened political tensions over elections and constitutional arrangements, with the federal government and opposition figures holding differing positions on the electoral timetable and the future political system. The dispute has also involved federal member states, adding to uncertainty over the country's political transition.
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Sharif also spoke about economic and social pressures facing ordinary Somalis. He said some government measures had affected low-income citizens and businesses and called for the protection of public property and citizens' rights.
Addressing members of the security forces and government employees, Sharif said the continued existence of state institutions and their work depended on the survival of the Somali state and its governance structures.
He also questioned the length of the government's mandate, saying that if the four-year period for which it was elected had ended, political actors should agree on elections and a transition.
“This government was elected for four years. Have the four years ended or not? They have ended. What is needed? Now that the four years have ended, the parties should sit down, agree on elections and proceed to them,” Sharif said.
His remarks come as Somalia's political leaders remain divided over the electoral process and constitutional changes. The federal government has maintained its position on the political and electoral roadmap, while opposition figures have called for an inclusive dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes.
Sharif's call adds to growing demands from political actors for negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement on elections, governance and the country's political transition.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
