Somali opposition leaders discuss new alliance to challenge President Hassan Sheikh

MOGADISHU, Somalia – A group of prominent Somali opposition leaders is considering forming a new political alliance to counter President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whom they accuse of attempting to manipulate upcoming elections and consolidate power.

The meeting, held on Saturday night at the residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu, was attended by former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Mohamed Hussein Roble, as well as opposition figure Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, according to sources familiar with the talks.

Discussions focused on creating a new coalition of presidential hopefuls, separate from the existing Salvation Forum — a loose opposition bloc formed in recent years. The move comes amid growing frustration among opposition figures over the stalled political dialogue with the federal government.

Former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon “Saacid” is also said to be part of the emerging coalition, a development that could expand its political weight ahead of Somalia’s next electoral phase.

However, several members of the Salvation Forum, including former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and ex-regional leader Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, were absent from the meeting. Sources say the Forum has not disbanded and continues its engagement with the federal government, though without any breakthrough.

Some opposition leaders believe a new political platform focused solely on electoral strategy and national transition is needed, while others accuse Villa Somalia — the presidential palace — of attempting to divide the opposition by co-opting certain members.

It remains unclear whether the new initiative will lead to a formal split within the opposition or result in a broader, more unified challenge to President Hassan Sheikh’s administration.

Somalia is preparing for a new round of elections, expected to reshape the political landscape as the country continues to recover from decades of conflict and instability.

GAROWE ONLINE