Somali Defence Minister accuses opposition of undermining Sovereignty

Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has delivered a sharp rebuke to opposition leaders, accusing them of prioritising power while ignoring what he described as foreign attempts to undermine the country’s sovereignty and statehood.

In a strongly worded statement on Friday, Fiqi also alleged that opposition figures had secured $4 million to fuel instability and destruction in Mogadishu. He questioned the sum’s adequacy relative to the value of properties in areas such as KM4, remarking that even a single floor there could be worth more, and suggested that if money was being taken, larger amounts should have been sought. The minister did not name specific individuals, identify the alleged source of the funds, or present public evidence.

The comments highlight deepening political tensions in the capital as the government confronts both internal opposition and external security challenges. Fiqi framed the accusations as part of a broader defence of Somalia’s independence and institutional stability.

Amid these tensions, the federal government has continued to push for political dialogue. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud formally invited opposition parties (including the Somali Future Council, the National Unity Forum) and civil society groups to national consultations in Mogadishu scheduled for 14–18 November 2026, focused on the federal electoral process, constitutional issues, and building consensus. Senior security and intelligence officials held recent closed-door meetings with opposition figures to encourage participation, and some preliminary understandings were reported on points such as depoliticising security, joint efforts against militants, and seeking electoral consensus. However, as the dates approached, reports indicated that the Future Council had decided to boycott the Villa Somalia talks, preferring internationally facilitated negotiations, leaving the immediate outcome of the scheduled dialogue uncertain.

Mustaqbal