Somalia: Govt fires back at strongly worded warning from ex-President

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia [FGS] is engaged in a bitter political battle with former leaders turned opposition figures who are seeking to influence the country’s politics, Garowe Online reports.

Somalia’s Minister of Information, Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mareye minister urged former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, to show utter respect after threatening to “remove” the Government from the capital for oppressing dissident voices.

Ahmed made the strongly worded remarks during a press conference in Mogadishu on Sunday, November 10 shortly after returning from Beledweyne, a flood-hit town situated in central Somalia.

“The Somali government is extremely amazed by the shock remarks from H.E Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the ex-President of Somalia, which is beneath the status and dignity of what was expected from a former head of state,” said Mareye.

A battle of titans has been looming in Somali capital following the latest all-inclusive alliance that brings together six major opposition parties -- including two parties led by former presidents of the country.

The opposition leaders have joined hands to form a strong coalition, named Forum for the National Parties [FNP] ahead of the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in 2020/2021.

The former leader accused the Government of disrespecting the constitution through violation of freedom, warning that if it will not stop the “oppression” they will kick Farmajo’s administration out of Mogadishu.

Ahmed who served as Somali President from 2009 to 2012 has condemned an alleged attempt by the Government to block his flight trip to deliver aid to thousands of people affected by flash floods in Hiran regional capital on Sunday.

GAROWE ONLINE