MOGADISHU — A number of prominent Somali political figures opposed to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are reportedly in Abu Dhabi for talks amid rising political tensions in Somalia.
According to reports circulating in Somali political circles, the meetings are being hosted or facilitated by the United Arab Emirates and are focused on the country’s political situation, the future of the federal government and growing disagreements over the electoral process and governance.
Among those reportedly involved are former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), MP Abdullahi Mohamed Sanbalashe, and other senior political figures.
The participants are reportedly seeking to coordinate their political positions toward the federal government. Some reports claim that discussions include possible strategies to pressure Hassan Sheikh’s administration to leave office, although there has been no independent confirmation of any formal agreement or plan to remove the president.
The reported Abu Dhabi meetings come as political divisions deepen between the federal government and several opposition figures and regional leaders. Disputes have centered on elections, constitutional issues, federal-regional relations and the political transition.
Government Seeks Regional Support
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Villa Somalia is seeking stronger political and security cooperation from neighboring countries, including Ethiopia and Djibouti, both of which have military forces operating in Somalia under various arrangements.
There are also unverified reports of possible military preparations around Baidoa, Beledweyne and Marka, areas that have experienced political and security tensions in recent months.
Mogadishu is also expected to remain a major focus of the political confrontation, with opposition figures reportedly working to organize political activity in the capital.
Some reports have linked former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to political efforts in Mogadishu, although the precise nature and scope of any such coordination have not been independently confirmed.
Security Preparations Reported
Separately, reports circulating in Mogadishu claim that the federal government has been strengthening its security preparations, including the mobilization of units from the Gorgor special forces.
The claims come amid heightened political uncertainty and concerns that political disagreements could develop into wider security tensions across several federal member states, including Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West and Jubaland.
Neither the Somali government nor the UAE has publicly confirmed the reported Abu Dhabi discussions or the alleged political and military plans described in the reports.
The developments come at a sensitive period for Somalia, with political actors divided over the electoral process, constitutional arrangements and the future direction of the federal government.
