Ex-Somali President Rejects Al-Shabaab Allegations, Cites Security Corruption

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Wednesday strongly rejected recent government accusations that opposition groups are sympathetic to Al-Shabaab, dismissing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking at a political conference in Mogadishu, Sheikh Sharif said the allegations were an attempt to silence dissenting voices and undermine legitimate political opposition. He accused the federal government of trying to derail dialogue and reconciliation efforts by branding critics as extremists.

“These accusations are meaningless and only serve to stifle the voice of the people,” said the former president, calling for political maturity and openness to dialogue among all stakeholders.

Sharif also sounded the alarm over widespread corruption within Somalia’s security institutions, particularly the armed forces, arguing that it has severely weakened their ability to combat the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency.

“If corruption within the security sector is not addressed, the country’s stability and development will be at serious risk,” he warned.

The former leader urged Somali political actors to come together in open dialogue to find lasting solutions to the country’s worsening political crisis and ongoing armed conflict.

“Dialogue is the only key to saving Somalia,” Sheikh Sharif said. “We must all recognise the importance of unity and work towards peace.”

He stressed the need for accountable leadership and inclusive governance, saying the Somali people deserve transparency, justice, and political stability.

Wednesday’s conference also discussed the broader political landscape, including opposition concerns over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s push for elections without a consensus. Opposition leaders called for a united front to challenge what they described as a unilateral and exclusionary process.

The political climate in Somalia continues to deteriorate as President Mohamud’s term nears its final year, with tensions rising over electoral disagreements and governance challenges.

GAROWE ONLINE