Tuesday , June 2, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has intensified his criticism of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, issuing strong warnings over the country’s escalating political tensions ahead of planned opposition demonstrations.
In a statement, Sheikh Sharif said that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and rejected any attempts to restrict where citizens can demonstrate. He emphasized that public demonstrations scheduled for June 4 will proceed as planned.
The former president also raised concerns about the security situation in parts of Mogadishu, alleging that some police facilities had been compromised. These claims could not be independently verified, and the Federal Government has not issued an official response.
In one of his most controversial remarks, Sheikh Sharif said that “Hassan Sheikh is only one step away from shedding blood” and warned that he could resort to such actions, describing the situation as a dangerous escalation in political rhetoric.
The comments come amid growing political tensions between opposition leaders and the federal government over governance, constitutional interpretation, and the legitimacy of the current administration. Opposition figures have continued to insist that President Hassan Sheikh’s mandate expired on May 15, 2026 — a claim the government has not formally addressed in detail.
Sheikh Sharif also criticized comparisons between his administration and that of President Hassan Sheikh, arguing that his tenure was not marked by civilian displacement or overstay in office beyond constitutional limits.
He further repeated allegations regarding the demolition of mosques during the current administration, claims that have not been independently verified.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet responded to the latest remarks. Meanwhile, security concerns are increasing in Mogadishu as political divisions deepen and both sides maintain firm positions ahead of the planned demonstrations.
Analysts warn that the increasingly heated rhetoric from both camps risks further destabilizing the political environment, with calls growing for restraint and renewed dialogue to prevent escalation.