KISMAYO: Plans to establish a unified opposition bloc against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faced immediate challenges in Kismayo, with significant disagreements emerging regarding leadership of a new political entity intended to foster that unity.
The focal point of contention involves the proposed leadership of the “Somalia Future Council,” an initiative created by the Salvation Forum in collaboration with the Puntland and Jubaland presidents. According to sources, a recommendation was advanced to designate former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as Council chair, with Engineer Abdullahi Abuukar Haaji (Arab) designated for the Secretary-General position.
However, this proposition was met with opposition from prominent figures and declared presidential hopefuls, including former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble, and opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame. They contend that Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is also a contender and that the Council should be headed by someone not running for office to maintain impartiality and solidarity.
Conversely, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) and former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon (Saacid) have expressed support for Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s candidacy. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, another pivotal participant in the discussions, has not disclosed his public position, making his stance a crucial variable in the ongoing negotiations.
President Madobe has justified his endorsement of Sharif by highlighting his role in opposing what the opposition characterizes as an unauthorized electoral process led by President Hassan Sheikh. He noted that Sharif undertook considerable political risks, including schisms among his supporters, and contended that sidelining him would be unjust following his loss of leadership influence in the opposition ranks.
Individuals with knowledge of the conference proceedings indicate widespread consensus on appointing Engineer Abdullahi Abuukar Haaji (Arab) to lead the Secretariat of the Somalia Future Council, marking this element of the structure as one of the limited areas of agreement achieved thus far.
Amid the impasse, the conference has been temporarily adjourned while senior leaders participate in private consultations focused on preserving unity. Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe is conducting separate discussions with influential individuals as endeavors to reconcile differences persist.
The organizational framework and leadership of the Future Council continue to be unsettled, with divergent viewpoints within the Salvation Forum catching numerous delegates unprepared.
The gathering of opposition figures and regional state leaders, commencing on Thursday in Kismayo, was organized to mount a unified challenge to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and coalesce around a common political and electoral strategy. Rather, its initial phase has demonstrated the challenges inherent in converting opposition agreement into tangible unity.
