By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Prominent Somali opposition leaders have unveiled a new strategy to challenge the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, following the collapse of recent negotiations with the government.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, ex-Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Mohamed Hussein Roble, along with opposition figure Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, held a closed-door meeting late last night at Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s residence in Mogadishu.
According to reliable sources, the meeting centered on forming a new coalition of opposition candidates with the aim of unifying their political voice ahead of the country’s transitional phase and upcoming elections. Former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon “Saacid” is also said to be part of the alliance, strengthening its political weight.
Notably absent were key figures from the Council of National Salvation (Madasha Samata-bixinta), including former Information Minister Ambassador Dahir Mohamud Gelle, ex-Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, and former South West State President Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden. However, insiders confirm that the council remains active and continues its political engagements despite the parallel initiative.
The closed-door talks reflect a strategic shift within the opposition, with senior leaders signaling their intention to establish a new platform specifically for high-profile candidates to coordinate positions and prepare for the country’s political future.
While the move highlights growing divisions within the opposition, it remains unclear whether this will result in a permanent split or in the creation of two parallel platforms representing different strands of opposition politics.
The new coalition is expected to amplify the opposition’s influence in Somalia’s electoral process and broader governance debates. However, much depends on how other council members respond, and whether the initiative will ultimately strengthen or fracture opposition unity.
