Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government and opposition leaders to reach a political agreement on elections, warning that unilateral decisions could deepen divisions and threaten Somalia’s stability.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has called for a political agreement to resolve a growing dispute over elections, warning that unilateral decisions by the federal government could deepen divisions and threaten the country’s stability.
Speaking at a news conference in Mogadishu on Saturday, Ahmed accused the government of pushing ahead with an electoral process that lacks broad political consensus, as disagreements intensify over the terms of federal institutions and the future direction of elections.
He urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration to return to negotiations with opposition figures and other political stakeholders, saying decisions affecting the country should not be made without wider consultation.
“Somalia’s affairs do not belong to one side alone, and they cannot be handled that way. If there is a way forward, it must be shared. If there is no agreement, Somalis must come together and decide,” he said.
The former president said Somalia was passing through a sensitive period and warned against pursuing major political decisions without an agreement acceptable to the main parties.
Ahmed also challenged the government’s position on its term in office and criticised disputed constitutional amendments and electoral arrangements that he said had not been founded on political consensus.
The dispute has intensified as Somalia’s political leaders disagree over the interpretation of constitutional changes, the terms of federal institutions and the framework for future elections. The government has promoted electoral reforms, while opposition figures have questioned the legitimacy of proceeding without a negotiated settlement.
Ahmed cited elections held in Mogadishu and the escalating tensions in South West State as examples of the risks associated with electoral processes that lack broad agreement.
He argued that the developments demonstrated how disputes over political authority and elections could fuel instability rather than resolve differences between competing sides.
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South West State has faced growing tensions between the federal government and forces loyal to former regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, following a change in the regional leadership. The confrontation has raised concerns about the potential for further violence and its impact on civilians.
Ahmed also warned that the political dispute was diverting attention from other pressing national priorities, including the fight against Al-Shabaab, security and the needs of the population.
He said political leaders should concentrate on strengthening stability and addressing security challenges rather than allowing disagreements over elections to widen divisions.
The former president expressed concern about political talks expected later this month, warning that the increasingly confrontational rhetoric could undermine efforts to bring the rival sides together.
He called on the federal leadership and opposition groups to resume dialogue and reach an agreement on the electoral process and the country’s political future.
Ahmed said a lasting solution could only be achieved through consultation, mutual understanding and elections conducted under an agreed framework.
The dispute comes at a critical time for Somalia, which continues to face security challenges from Al-Shabaab and broader efforts to strengthen federal institutions.
A political settlement would be central to reducing tensions and maintaining cooperation among the federal government, regional administrations and opposition leaders.
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.
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