Thursday , June 18, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif has sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh, warning of escalating political tensions and accusing the government of authoritarian behavior.
He said, “President Hassan Sheikh, if we were afraid of you, we would not have entered politics. You cannot kill us, and the Somali people will hold you accountable. You will face accountability before us.”
“We will not allow you to do whatever you want. We will stop you. Whatever wrongs have been committed in this country—enough is enough,” he added.
He further stated, “It is not us who will die, but you. By God’s will, you will die before us,” according to Sheikh Sharif.
Sheikh Sharif also accused the government of misusing security forces against opposition figures and warned that state institutions were being politicized. He further claimed that governance under President Hassan Sheikh had been marked by favoritism and mismanagement of public resources.
The former president also alleged that some citizens have fled the country due to the worsening political environment, describing it as a sign of growing instability.
These remarks come amid ongoing political disputes over constitutional interpretation, election processes, and the status of presidential terms, which some opposition figures argue ended on May 15.
The tensions follow recent clashes in Mogadishu between federal security forces and opposition-linked groups on June 3 and 4, further deepening concerns over the country’s fragile political climate.