MOGADISHU — Former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmaajo, on Thursday blamed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the latest political unrest and deadly violence in Mogadishu, accusing him of undermining consensus politics and plunging the country into a fresh constitutional and electoral crisis.
The criticism came after clashes erupted in parts of the capital amid escalating tensions over disputed electoral and constitutional processes, prompting concern from opposition leaders and international partners.
In a strongly worded statement, Farmaajo accused Hassan Sheikh of disregarding repeated calls for political dialogue and pushing through controversial constitutional and electoral changes without broad agreement among Somali stakeholders.
“You alone approved a flawed constitution. You brought in an electoral commission loyal to you, as well as political parties, even while we were telling you to stop,” Farmaajo said.
The former president alleged that Somalia was facing a dangerous political impasse because of what he described as unilateral decisions by the current administration.
“Your term of office is over. You were supposed to bring a broad-based consensus agreement. Today, you are responsible for fighting and displacement. You cannot hold the country by force. Return to dialogue,” he added.
Heavy gunfire was reported in several districts of Mogadishu as tensions mounted between government forces and opposition figures, raising fears of a broader political confrontation in a country still struggling to recover from decades of conflict and instability.
Residents said exchanges of fire could be heard across parts of the capital, while security forces increased their presence around key installations and roads.
The unrest followed reports that government security agencies had moved against opposition leaders ahead of planned demonstrations challenging recent political developments.
Farmaajo also expressed condolences to victims of the violence and defended the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protest.
“I am saddened by those who died, and may Allah heal those who were wounded. The people have the right to protest; it is a constitutional right. Why are you denying them that right and fighting them?” he said.
According to opposition sources, former president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire were among senior political figures affected by the security operation as tensions escalated.
The United States and other international partners have voiced concern over the deteriorating political situation, urging Somali leaders to resolve their differences through dialogue and avoid actions that could further destabilize the Horn of Africa nation.
The latest confrontation has revived memories of Somalia’s 2021 political crisis, when disputes over elections triggered armed standoffs in Mogadishu and prompted international calls for restraint.
Political analysts warn that renewed instability could distract the government from ongoing security operations against the Al-Shabaab insurgency and undermine efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
More than three decades after the collapse of President Mohamed Siad Barre’s government in 1991, Somalia continues to face recurring disputes over elections, constitutional reforms and power-sharing arrangements, issues that have repeatedly tested the country’s fragile political settlement.
With opposition leaders, regional administrations and international partners increasingly expressing alarm, pressure is mounting on Somalia’s political leadership to return to negotiations and prevent the crisis from spiraling into wider instability.
No official casualty figures have yet been released, and the federal government has not immediately responded to Farmaajo’s latest accusations.
