Saturday May 10, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif
Sheikh Ahmed has strongly criticized the outcomes of the recent National
Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, warning that the federal
government risks deepening political divisions and misusing the military for
political purposes.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital on Friday,
Sharif warned President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration against what he
described as “reckless attempts” to impose political agendas through force,
referencing recent tensions between the federal government and the Jubbaland
administration.
“I call on the government—this is a time to unite the people
and listen to their counsel,” Sharif said. “We’ve all seen where the country
has ended up under your direction. You have no control, no advice. To suggest
that a new administration can be built from this chaos is deeply regrettable.”
Sharif, who also heads the Himilo Qaran political party,
said the outcomes of the NCC summit were disappointing and accused the
participants of prioritizing political consolidation over meaningful consensus.
“You all saw that the only thing to emerge from the summit
was talk of building a major political party,” he said. “This is short-sighted
and divisive at a time when unity should be our top priority.”
He also praised Somali troops battling Al-Shabaab on the
front lines but criticized federal leaders for failing to adequately support
the military effort.
The NCC communiqué released earlier this week pledged full
support for the Somali National Army and called for stronger cooperation
between federal and state authorities. However, the absence of Jubbaland and
Puntland—two key federal member states—has sparked criticism from opposition
figures and international partners who warn that decisions made without
broad-based consensus risk lacking legitimacy.
Sharif’s remarks come as political tensions escalate ahead
of the 2026 elections, with some federal member states accusing Villa Somalia
of undermining the federal system and attempting to centralize power.