Somali government slams opposition, draws comparison to Al-Shabaab    

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A few hours before the crucial talks between the federal government of Somalia and the opposition, a senior official has hinted possibility of the lockdown, with Mogadishu likely to defend its call for direct polls despite mounting pressure to drop the move.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pushing for direct elections in the country despite calls from the opposition to review the move because the country is not ready for the experiment, which could delay the 2026 elections.

Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somalia’s defence minister, claimed opposition leaders are inciting the public to riot against the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, adding that the leadership is fearing of the track and heading the Al-Shabaab way.

“Al-Shabaab threatens people with guns, but guns cannot change people’s votes, and politicians who take up arms are no different from the warlords who have ruled the country,” said Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, warning opposition figures who oppose the government's plans to hold a disputed election next year.

The opposition leadership, with the strong backing of the federal states of Jubaland and Puntland, have called for talks on Wednesday — despite a lack of direct participation by the two states. The leadership is set to meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over the proposed controversial constitutional changes.

Earlier on Tuesday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud registered as a voter in Wardhiigley. The move comes a day before a scheduled meeting between the National Salvation Council and the President.

Reports say the council has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the new developments. They have been urging Hassan Sheikh to reverse what they call the unlawful amendment to Chapter 4 of Somalia’s Constitution.

The registration reflects the intentions of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to go on with the universal suffrage elections, a move which has been opposed by the opposition leaders. The team insists that the limited timelines to the 2026 polls could lead to illegal term extensions.

Trusted sources told Garowe Online that a six-member committee is tasked with easing tensions before Wednesday's meeting between the National Salvation Council and outgoing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Those picked from the opposition include Abdirahman Abdishakur, Dahir Geele, and Mursal, while those from the government side are Salah Ahmed Jama, Hirsi Jama Gaani and Hassan Moallim.

However, Tuesday’s talks ended with no deal. Council meets tonight ahead of tomorrow’s session. New details from Aug 10 show Abdishakur taking a harder line amid backchannel talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

GAROWE ONLINE