MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Minister of Justice has launched a strong criticism of opposition groups, accusing them of following a political approach that he compared to the armed movements that fought the former central government and contributed to the collapse of the Somali state in 1991.
Speaking amid heightened political tensions in the country, the minister specifically mentioned the Somali National Movement (SNM), United Somali Congress (USC), and Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF), saying their historical role should serve as a warning to current political actors.
“The opposition today is behaving like those of the SNM, USC and SSDF, who contributed to the destruction of the central government,” the minister said.
He argued that political disagreements should not be transformed into confrontation, warning that actions aimed at weakening state institutions could have serious consequences for Somalia’s stability.
“We should learn from the history of Somalia. Political differences must be resolved through dialogue and political processes, not through confrontation and the destruction of state institutions,” he said.
The minister’s comments come as tensions remain high between the Federal Government and opposition figures over elections, constitutional amendments, federal-state relations and the broader political direction of the country.
The government has maintained that political disputes should be addressed through dialogue and constitutional mechanisms, while opposition leaders have continued to raise concerns over the administration’s handling of the electoral process and political reforms.
The minister’s reference to the SNM, USC and SSDF is particularly significant because the three movements were among the major armed opposition groups that challenged the government of former President Siad Barre. The conflict eventually culminated in the collapse of the central government in January 1991, followed by decades of political fragmentation and insecurity.
The latest remarks are therefore likely to further intensify Somalia’s political debate, as the government and opposition remain divided over how the country should conduct its elections and manage the transition toward a more stable political system.
The minister called on political leaders to avoid actions that could push the country back toward violence, emphasizing the need to preserve national institutions and maintain political stability.
