Somalia: Opposition lays demands for dialogue with Outgoing President Hassan Sheikh

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Opposition leaders have expressed interest in participating in the proposed dialogue with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who suggested a meeting on June 15th, days after the team rejected offers to discuss the matters affecting the Horn of Africa nation.

In a statement, Sunday, the National Salvation Forum, which comprises former presidents, Prime Ministers and speakers, said the conference must be genuinely inclusive and attended by representatives from all federal member states and the opposition.

Among many issues, the conference is set to handle constitutional amendments and electoral framework, both at the national and federal levels, where reforms are of paramount importance.

The government is yet to officially respond to the opposition over their demands. Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe and Puntland's Abdullahi Deni have been at loggerheads with the federal government.

Shariff Sheikh Ahmed, the former president, accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of mobilising troops against opposition leaders, noting that such moves to muzzle the opposition must be stopped to allow freedom of speech.

The ex-leader urged President Mohamud to redirect military efforts toward combating the Islamist insurgency of Al-Shabaab, emphasising that opposition leaders remain unarmed, having relinquished weapons years ago, and are committed solely to securing transparent, democratic elections.

“If the President is confident in his mandate, he should contest freely and respect the electorate’s verdict,” Sharif asserted.

The government of Somalia has struggled to find the right footing both in the fight against Al-Shabaab and the mediation with the opposition, significantly impacting the unity and peaceful co-existence.

GAROWE ONLINE