In a strongly worded, unified statement, sixteen prominent former Somali Leaders, including Former Presidents and Prime Ministers, have sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of abandoning national responsibility and steering Somalia towards political chaos, increased insecurity, and authoritarian rule.
The Former Leaders, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khayre, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, and Mohamed Hussein Rooble, expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Somalia’s regional states. They called upon the leaders of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West, whose mandates have expired, to respect their citizens by conducting timely elections and to avoid complicity in what they perceive as the president’s efforts to weaken the federal system.
According to the statement, Somalia faces severe challenges across multiple fronts, including political conflict, poor governance, and a worsening security crisis that threatens hard won progress. The Former Leaders contend that instead of unifying the nation, President Mohamud has prioritized personal ambition, political division, and the pursuit of unchecked power.
A key point of contention is the president’s alleged failure to convene a crucial national dialogue involving the Federal Government, Regional States, and Opposition Groups. This forum, they argue, is essential to address the escalating threat from terrorist groups like Al Shabaab, resolve disputes over constitutional amendments and elections, and restore confidence in the government. They assert that the president’s refusal to lead this dialogue has resulted in factional politics and policies that isolate both the people and Regional Leaders.
The statement warns that President Mohamud appears to be disregarding the grim realities on the ground. Al Shabaab has reportedly retaken areas previously liberated by the Somali military and international partners. They argue that years of sacrifice, including lives lost and villages freed, are being reversed due to political infighting, military failures, and a lack of governmental vision. The security forces, they claim, are demoralized and poorly managed, hindering their ability to sustain territorial gains.
The former leaders further accuse the president of fostering a culture of corruption, abuse of power, and dictatorship, which they believe is undermining democratic principles and the federal system, a system they view as the foundation of Somalia’s fragile stability. They express concern that citizens are losing hope, the rule of law is eroding, and terrorist groups are capitalizing on the resulting chaos.
To address these critical issues, the former leaders are calling for urgent political consultations involving all major stakeholders, including opposition forces and civil society. They seek a united front to combat terrorism, restore trust in the government, and halt what they describe as a return to authoritarianism. They also demand an end to political repression in the Jubbaland administration, accusing the president of misusing state institutions to silence dissent and allocate national resources based on loyalty rather than merit.
In a notable rebuke of the president’s recent political actions, the Former Leaders praised the United States Government for rejecting what they termed “unwise advice” from President Mohamud. They urged other international partners to similarly oppose any attempts to derail Somalia’s political progress or support destabilizing political agendas.
Finally, the Former Leaders called upon the United Nations Panel of Experts on Somalia to investigate widespread corruption in the country, arguing that it directly contributes to the erosion of national security and the empowerment of terrorist groups. They maintain that corruption undermines state building and good governance, creating opportunities for militants to gain control and influence.
The statement concluded with a plea to the international community for continued support, while issuing a stark warning that Somalia is regressing and risks losing its hard won gains without strong and honest leadership.
With such a powerful and unified voice expressing these concerns, pressure is now mounting on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to reconsider his approach or risk being remembered as a leader who precipitated another period of instability in Somalia.