Two senior ministers in the Federal Government of Somalia have accused Somali opposition leaders who attended Somali Salvation Forum of refusing to join a proposed national political dialogue aimed at easing the country’s ongoing political tensions.
Somali Opposition Leaders Accuse Somalia President for His Policies
The statements came just hours after the Somali opposition leaders released a strongly worded statement accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
As per their claim, Somalia President is maintaining the same policies which ignited the current political crisis.
The opposition also reiterated its demand for a credible and inclusive process that involves all stakeholders.
Defense Minister: “Somalia President Invited All Political Actors to Dialogue.”
Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi dismissed the opposition’s claims.
He emphasized that the president had already extended invitations to all political actors to participate in meaningful discussions.
According to Fiqi, the opposition responded with a total rejection of the initiative.
Minister Fiqi Stated:
“They say the president closed the door to dialogue, but when it opens, they refuse to enter. They spent the Eid holidays abroad and returned only to criticize a process they refuse to engage in.
They gather in foreign embassies to complain but ignore invitations from Somali leadership. They claim that they want to save the country—when in reality, they’re the ones who need saving.”
Somali Opposition Leaders Lack Somalia-centered Political Agenda
Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, echoed this stance, accusing the opposition leaders of lacking a Somalia-centered political agenda.
“They say, ‘We will neither move forward nor stay put.’
That is not a strategy—it’s obstruction,” said Nur.
“The president was elected to lead Somalia forward, and that’s what we are committed to doing.”
Somali Salvation Forum Members Express Concerns
The Somali Salvation Forum, composed of former top officials and political figures, has expressed concerns over key national issues, including electoral reforms and the distribution of power between federal and state authorities.
This standoff comes at a critical time as Somalia prepares for major institutional reforms.
Such as the shift from indirect to direct elections and the restructuring of the national security sector.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly called on all political factions to join the proposed national dialogue in order to create a unified roadmap for Somalia’s future governance.
However, the Somali opposition leaders remain skeptical, questioning the transparency and inclusivity of the initiative.
