Somalia Headed in Wrong Direction, Opposition Says

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's opposition teams have yet again slammed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of creating a wrong atmosphere for growth and stability, insisting that his leadership does not inspire anymore.

The country is struggling with internal political rifts ahead of the 2026 elections in the middle of a surging Al-Shabaab rebellion, which risks plunging the country into unprecedented instability despite immense support from the international community.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed maintains Hassan Sheikh is pushing for illegal constitutional changes and manipulating the electoral system to ensure victory in 2026, while using the national army to realise his agenda.

He also accused the Somali government of looting public land in Mogadishu, an incident which led to fierce clashes that left dozens of people dead last week.

"International financial support has been halted, African Union forces are withdrawing, our national army is demoralised, and Al-Shabaab is growing stronger by gathering more ground," said Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, speaking in Mogadishu amid rising tensions over the 2026 elections.

At Carmo in Puntland, regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni said the northern state of Somalia needs strong defence, arguing that it has been invaded. He was gracing the graduation ceremony of new officers in the town.

“If Somalia falls apart, Puntland should be a role model that the country can look up to and rely on for its salvation,” Deni said. "Somalia is currently in a difficult phase where statehood and clanism have become intertwined," said the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni.

Hassan Sheikh has fallen out with many politicians, and efforts to repair the trust have been futile, given the non-committal attitude from the government. Last week, the opposition and government failed to strike a common deal for stable elections.

GAROWE ONLINE