MOGADISHU — Somalia’s political tensions intensified on Monday after senior figures within President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s inner circle distanced themselves from his administration ahead of a key electoral period.
Among them is Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, a former head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), whose recent political positioning has drawn attention amid growing disputes over governance and security.
The development follows the resignation of senior presidential adviser Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, who stepped down citing political deadlock and concerns over national stability.
Lawmaker Abdirahman Mohamed Odowaa has also emerged as an influential voice in the shifting political alignments, calling for broader consensus on electoral reforms and governance.
The changes come as Somalia approaches the end of its federal government mandate on May 15, 2026, with disputes continuing over the electoral framework and transition process.
Analysts say the apparent fractures within the political establishment reflect widening divisions at a critical moment in the country’s transition.
