Monday February 17, 2025
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivers a speech at the inauguration of Hodan Hospital in Mogadishu.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday pushed back against opposition leaders, accusing them of spreading unnecessary fear and political instability instead of focusing on the country's progress.
Speaking at the inauguration of a modern hospital in Mogadishu, Mohamud dismissed recent opposition claims that his administration is leading Somalia toward crisis, calling such remarks misleading and harmful.
"Politicians who claim disaster is imminent, that the gates of hell are opening, are mentally unwell and should seek treatment," he said, addressing critics who have warned of growing authoritarianism and political suppression under his leadership.
He further blamed political rhetoric for much of the instability in the country. "The real problem in Somalia is the politicians," he said. "There are many positive developments that should be shared with the Somali people. Show them what has been accomplished and what can still be achieved."
The president's remarks follow recent accusations by opposition figure Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan, who claimed Mohamud's administration has secretly assembled a 10,000-member special force to target political rivals. The opposition leader, citing unnamed sources, alleged that the force operates outside Somalia's official security structures and is tasked with disarming opposition politicians.
Mohamud did not directly address the allegations, but his comments on political fearmongering appeared to be a response. The Somali government has not provided an official statement regarding the existence of such a force, and HOL has not independently verified the claim.
Political tensions have intensified ahead of Somalia's 2026 elections, with opposition parties and regional states boycotting the electoral commission's preparations. Puntland and Jubbaland have rejected the federal government's handling of the election process, citing political and security concerns.
The opposition has accused Mohamud of sidelining independent institutions and circumventing legal procedures to appoint an electoral commission that lacks legitimacy, in what they claim is an attempt to secure a predetermined election outcome. Some opposition leaders have gone as far as to threaten to organize parallel elections if the government does not engage in broader political consultations.
Beyond electoral disputes, opposition groups have criticized Mohamud's economic policies, citing what they call unjust taxation that has crippled businesses in Mogadishu, particularly at the Bakara Market, the city's largest commercial hub. Business leaders have protested against rising tax burdens, arguing that they have led to widespread job losses and economic distress.
Additionally, opposition figures claim the government has favoured businesses linked to Mohamud's political allies, further deepening economic inequality. The president, however, insists that Somalia is making progress, pointing to increased international recognition and invitations to global forums like the United Nations Security Council—a presence Somalia had lacked for years.
The opposition has also accused Mohamud's administration of using security agencies for political purposes, alleging that the Somali National Army and other state forces are being deployed to suppress dissent rather than ensure national security.