Sunday October 11, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has accused the federal government of targeting members of his office and restricting movement around his Mogadishu residence.
In a statement Sunday, Sharif denied allegations by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) that members of his security detail had attacked NISA forces in Wadajir district.
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Sharif’s office accused government forces of deploying near his residence in recent days and alleged that some members of his staff had been abducted.
It also said roadblocks and movement restrictions had limited access to the residence and interfered with deliveries of essential supplies, including food and water.
The statement said Sharif’s security personnel had exercised restraint to avoid an armed confrontation.
“We state clearly that these claims do not reflect the reality of the series of incidents aimed at destabilizing President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s environment,” the statement said, warning against what it described as efforts to mislead the public or damage the reputation of opposition politicians.
The statement reads that the former President recognized the importance of national security, the independence of security institutions and the rule of law, but emphasized those principles must apply equally to all citizens and political figures regardless of their political position.
“All these incidents must be thoroughly documented and verified, and any individual who committed wrongdoing while acting in the name of the state will be held accountable,” the statement said.
Sharif’s office warned against using unverified security allegations as tools for political pressure, intimidation or attempts to silence opposition politicians calling for a consensus-based election.
It said the current political situation required restraint and responsible leadership to prevent disputes from escalating into armed confrontation.
“Somalia does not need a new security crisis, nor should political disputes be allowed to escalate into conflict that endangers citizens’ lives and national stability,” the statement said.
Sharif reaffirmed that he had no interest in creating insecurity, provoking conflict or causing bloodshed, and said Somalia’s political disputes could be resolved through dialogue, trust and an agreed electoral process.
The statement urged the government, security agencies, political leaders and international partners to support transparency, accountability and a peaceful resolution of the country’s electoral and political disputes.
Sharif’s statement came hours after NISA condemned what it described as armed attacks and acts of aggression targeting its public protection forces in the General Da’ud sector of Wadajir district.
In a separate statement, NISA accused armed men allegedly acting under Sharif’s orders of attempting to draw security forces into an armed confrontation.
The agency said its forces had shown restraint and professionalism to avoid escalating tensions or endangering civilians.
NISA alleged that intelligence showed Sharif’s security forces, armed with AK-47 rifles, BKM machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, had forcibly entered homes in the Tiintiinley neighborhood of Wadajir district.
The agency said the same group attacked NISA forces on June 24, 2026, and abducted a soldier who was carrying out official duties. It also said security operations in the General Da’ud sector were again obstructed on June 27.
“NISA will not allow its personnel to be dragged into political conflicts, nor will it waver in its responsibility to protect national security and safeguard the Somali people,” the agency said.
“The agency remained committed to maintaining peace and stability in the capital and preventing actions that threaten public safety and security,” it added.
Neither side’s allegations have been independently verified.