MOGADISHU — Opposition leaders gathered Monday with Hawiye clan elders at the residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in the capital, announcing plans for a “national salvation” initiative as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term approaches its conclusion next month .
The meeting attracted key opposition figures and notably included former National Intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Sanbalolshe, previously regarded as a close ally of the current president .
Former PM Warns of Political Uncertainty
Former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble informed reporters that the discussion centered on Somalia’s political uncertainty during a critical period. He cautioned that Somalia faces a precarious juncture, with the parliamentary term already ended and the presidential mandate set to expire in the coming weeks .
Roble stressed that the idea of national salvation was central to the conversations, urging widespread involvement from Somali citizens to avert descent into chaos and disorder once the presidential term concludes .
Historical Context of ‘National Salvation’
In Mogadishu, the term “national salvation” carries significant political meaning. It is generally interpreted as referring to armed mobilization campaigns by the opposition during the previous two election cycles, efforts that previously prevented incumbent presidents from extending their tenure .
The deployment comes as Somalia faces a deepening constitutional crisis. The Federal Parliament’s mandate expired on April 14, and President Mohamud’s term is set to end on May 15, with no clear electoral framework in place . The federal government maintains that the extension is a constitutional necessity under the new constitution, while opposition figures and regional states reject this position .
Military Deployment to Prevent Rebellion
The federal government recently deployed heavily armed, Turkish-trained Gorgor special forces around a military camp led by army officer Colonel Saney Abdulle, an opposition-aligned figure and relative of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The deployment aims to prevent potential rebellion within military ranks as President Mohamud’s term concludes next month .
Troops were stationed in the Geed Timir area of the Gubadley neighborhood, north of Mogadishu, an area historically under the general’s control. The camp reportedly contains numerous fighters and significant weapons, raising fears that Abdulle might deploy forces into central Mogadishu to support opposition efforts and challenge presidential authority when his term ends on May 15 .
Now, as President Mohamud’s term approaches its end and parliament’s mandate expired last week, Mohamud — previously part of the opposition that mobilized Abdulle and his troops in 2021 — seems increasingly concerned about a comparable threat. The recent deployments highlight a wider initiative to prevent unrest and consolidate his position amid a volatile political climate .
Opposition’s Electoral Consultations
The opposition bloc, led by prominent presidential hopefuls for the upcoming 2026 elections, has officially launched a series of consultations in Mogadishu aimed at building consensus around the country’s electoral process. The opening session was attended by leading political figures, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and ex-Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke .
“The people of Somalia deserve a transparent and widely accepted electoral process. We are here to listen, discuss, and ensure our democracy moves forward,” said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed during the opening remarks .
Former PM Roble’s Continued Political Engagement
Former Prime Minister Roble has remained a vocal advocate for inclusive governance and peaceful political engagement, urging both the federal government and member states to embrace open dialogue and mutual respect as a foundation for sustainable state-building. He has also warned that ongoing terrorist threats from Al-Shabaab require “a united political and security front” .
Roble has previously voiced deep concern over disorder within Somalia’s Federal Parliament, describing it as a “national disgrace” and condemning the physical assault on Members of Parliament. He called for accountability, stressing that such actions undermine the integrity of the country’s highest legislative institution and erode public trust in the democratic process .
Previous National Salvation Forum Engagement
President Mohamud and members of the Forum for National Salvation (FNS) previously held substantive talks at Villa Somalia as part of ongoing efforts to foster dialogue between the federal government and opposition political figures. The meeting was part of efforts to address key national issues, including security, governance, and electoral reforms .
Political Tensions Escalate
The political landscape in Somalia has been jolted by a wave of criticism directed at President Mohamud’s administration, with opposition leaders and two federal member states accusing the government of neglecting security priorities and weakening national consensus. The Somali Salvation Forum — a coalition featuring former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, ex-prime ministers Roble and Hassan Ali Khaire, alongside other senior figures — issued a statement warning that Al-Shabaab militants were regaining ground .
Puntland has warned that unilateral political actions from Mogadishu risked violating the 2012 Provisional Constitution and deepening existing divisions, reiterating support for Somalia’s federal model and pressing for elections to be held on schedule, without delays or alterations to agreed frameworks .
Outlook
As the presidential term enters its final weeks, the meeting between opposition leaders and clan elders signals mounting political pressure on the administration. The concept of “national salvation” — historically associated with opposition mobilization to prevent term extensions — suggests that political tensions could escalate further as the May 15 deadline approaches .
The federal government has yet to issue an official response to the opposition’s latest gathering and announced initiative .
