MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s former President and present opposition chief Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has accused authorities of systematically stifling political dissent, alleging that the federal government has barred them from holding conferences in lodges within the capital Mogadishu.
Talking at a convention hosted by his occasion on Saturday, Sharif addressed attendees below sweltering situations on the rooftop of his house, a venue pressured upon them as a consequence of what he described as government-imposed restrictions. He lamented the cramped area and intense warmth, framing the circumstances as emblematic of the broader challenges going through the opposition.
Sharif claimed that authorities had not solely prohibited them from convening in lodges however had additionally tried to dam gatherings in personal properties.
In a pointed critique of incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sharif warned in opposition to ruling “by the gun,” asserting that those that beforehand relied on pressure had finally deserted such techniques. He emphasised that the present administration is “outnumbered when it comes to weapons,” noting that arms are widespread among the many populace.
The previous president revealed that opposition leaders have engaged in personal dialogues with Mohamud to deal with what they understand as his missteps. Nonetheless, he cautioned that if the president continues to disregard their considerations, they’d mobilize the general public to claim their self-determination and problem the nation’s present trajectory.
Sharif’s remarks observe a latest incident by which authorities disrupted a gathering of a number of opposition events making an attempt to unify, deploying troops to the venue and arresting lodge administration for allowing the occasion.
This incident isn’t remoted; comparable crackdowns have occurred in latest months, elevating considerations over the federal government’s dedication to free speech, inclusive governance, and political tolerance.
Critics argue that these actions mark a stark reversal of President Mohamud’s earlier guarantees to uphold democratic rules and foster an atmosphere of open political discourse.
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