MOGADISHU – Political tensions in Somalia have intensified following a sharp exchange between a member of parliament and senior government officials, highlighting growing divisions within the country’s fragile political landscape.
MP Abdullahi Mohamed Sanbalooshe said he would not forgive President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud “for a century,” according to remarks circulated in local media and political circles, in what was widely seen as a strong rebuke of the head of state.
The comments quickly gained traction in Mogadishu’s political discourse, reflecting ongoing disputes over governance, security operations, and political authority within the federal system.
In response, Defense Minister Ahmed Fiqi strongly rejected the remarks and defended the government’s position, further escalating the exchange between the two sides.
Fiqi, who is often regarded by critics as outspoken in his political rhetoric, has previously drawn attention for his direct and forceful communication style in public debates, particularly in exchanges with opposition lawmakers.
In his response, he suggested that the MP’s continued political activity reflected restraint by the authorities, framing Sanbalooshe’s ability to speak publicly as an act of “mercy.”
The exchange has added to a growing pattern of political confrontations in Somalia, where disputes between government officials and opposition figures frequently play out in public forums and media statements.
Neither the Presidency nor Parliament issued an immediate official statement regarding the remarks.
Analysts say such confrontations risk further deepening political polarization at a time when the federal government is seeking to maintain stability and address ongoing security challenges posed by armed groups operating in parts of the country.
