Friday , June 12, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said that the unrest and political tensions witnessed in Mogadishu on June 3 negatively affected investor confidence and discouraged potential foreign investment in Somalia.
Speaking at an event in Jowhar on Thursday night, the president stated that several prospective investors, including companies interested in Somalia’s petroleum sector, were alarmed by the developments and reconsidered plans to commit billions of dollars to the country.
The president acknowledged that the incidents drew international attention and raised concerns about Somalia’s stability, warning that such events could undermine efforts to attract foreign investment and accelerate economic growth.
Hassan Sheikh accused opposition groups of amplifying and publicizing the unrest in a manner that damaged Somalia’s image abroad, arguing that the resulting perception of instability discouraged potential investors.
The president also defended the recent local elections held in Banadir and Baidoa, describing them as necessary steps toward Somalia’s democratic development. He maintained that the electoral process reflects the country’s future direction despite strong criticism from opposition figures.
During the event, performers made remarks expressing support for the president remaining in office. Hassan Sheikh, however, reiterated that leadership is temporary and that political circumstances can change at any time.
The president’s comments come amid ongoing political debates over Somalia’s electoral model, governance reforms, and efforts to attract international investment.