Somalia: Ex-leader Accuses Government of Siege Tactics Against Opposition Amid Election Row

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Sunday accused the federal government of cutting off essential services, restricting movement, and using security forces against political opponents, as tensions deepen over Somalia’s disputed electoral process.

Sharif told reporters in Mogadishu during a press conference with Farmajo, another former leader, that authorities had severed electricity and water supplies to the compound where he was staying, blocked food deliveries, and prevented supporters and visitors from entering.

The allegations mark the latest escalation in a growing confrontation between the government and opposition leaders, who have accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration of attempting to sideline rivals ahead of elections.

“They cut off our electricity, they cut off our water, they denied us food, and they prevented people from coming to see us,” Sharif said, describing the measures as unconstitutional and incompatible with democratic governance.

The former president also rejected the prospect of elections organized solely by the incumbent administration, saying Somalia could only be led through a vote agreed upon by all key stakeholders.

“There can be no election that is manipulated or designed by the current leadership,” he said. “Only a consensual and legitimate election can guide the country forward.”

Sharif further accused the government of deploying security forces to suppress opposition activities and block planned demonstrations focused on political concerns and the plight of displaced civilians.

He said national security forces were being diverted from their intended role of protecting the country and were instead used to pressure opposition figures.

“We are not enemies of the nation,” Sharif said. “We are people who helped rebuild the Somali state. To be met with bullets or repression is not consistent with the principles of governance.”

The former president placed responsibility for the latest developments on Hassan Sheikh, alleging that the president was behind efforts to curtail opposition political activities.

The government has not publicly responded to the accusations.

The dispute comes amid increasing political uncertainty in Somalia, where disagreements over electoral arrangements have widened divisions between the federal government and opposition leaders, raising concerns about stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE