Oslo, Norway – In Oslo, Norway, former Somali president and opposition leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed urged Somalia’s current leaders to tread carefully in their ongoing constitutional review, warning that rushing the process could deepen political rifts rather than heal them.
Addressing members of the Somali diaspora, Sharif reflected on the country’s turbulent history, invoking the lessons of Mohamed Siad Barre’s authoritarian rule. He noted that centralized power and unilateral decision-making in the past had led to widespread disillusionment and eventual collapse—an outcome Somalia cannot afford to repeat.
Sharif’s remarks come amid mounting political tension in Mogadishu, where debates over proposed constitutional amendments have stirred controversy between the federal government and opposition figures. Many fear that the process, if not transparent and inclusive, could upset the delicate balance of Somalia’s fragile federal system.
The former president, who now heads the Himilo Qaran party, emphasized the need for consensus-building and public participation to ensure that the constitution reflects the aspirations of all Somalis, not just those in power. His message resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom have lived through the cycles of instability that followed decades of political mismanagement.
Sharif remains a prominent voice in Somalia’s evolving political landscape, often positioning himself as a bridge between the country’s competing forces. His appeal in Oslo served as a reminder that the pursuit of lasting stability depends not on speed but on inclusion, dialogue, and respect for Somalia’s hard-earned democratic principles.