Saturday , May 23, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Former Somali military commander and opposition politician Abdi Hassan Awale Qeybdiid has declared that Somalia currently has “no sitting president,” claiming that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud no longer holds legitimate authority after the expiration of his constitutional term.
Speaking in an interview with Shabelle Media Network, Qeybdiid strongly criticized the federal government over a recent attack targeting opposition figures, describing the operation as “illegal” and politically motivated.
According to Qeybdiid, the federal leadership has lost both legal and political legitimacy, arguing that the country has entered a constitutional crisis following the end of the president’s mandate.
“Hassan Sheikh is no longer responsible for the country. We were attacked illegally in recent days. Let him bring the troops on June 4 when they are needed. Yesterday he had power, today he no longer has it,” Qeybdiid said during the televised interview.
The former general, who is considered one of the influential opposition figures sharing political alignment with anti-government groups, accused the administration of using security forces against political rivals at a time of rising political uncertainty in Mogadishu.
His comments come amid growing tensions ahead of planned opposition demonstrations expected on June 4, with opposition groups accusing the federal government of suppressing dissent and attempting to silence critics through security operations.
Political divisions in Somalia have deepened in recent weeks following disagreements over electoral arrangements, governance, and the legitimacy of federal institutions after the reported expiration of the president’s term on May 15, 2026.
Opposition leaders have increasingly questioned the authority of the current administration, while government officials maintain that state institutions remain functional and constitutional processes are ongoing.
The latest remarks by Qeybdiid are likely to further intensify the already fragile political climate in Mogadishu as security concerns continue to grow ahead of expected anti-government mobilizations.