MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has expressed deep concern over the recent surge of clan-based incitement spreading across social media and Somalia’s political landscape.
He warns that this alarming trend poses a significant threat to the unity and future of the Somali people.
“I strongly warn against any actions that could compromise the territorial sovereignty of our nation. The only viable path to defending our country is through the unwavering unity of its people, regardless of region, group, or clan affiliation,” President Sharif said in a press statement from Mogadishu.
This statement follows days after elders from the Hawiye clan threatened to storm the homes of MPs representing the Southwest State, predominantly from the Rahanweyn clans, due to their opposition to the deployment of Egyptian forces in Somalia.
The Hawiye elders, in the statement, also accused the Rahanweyn community of supporting Ethiopia, escalating tensions further.
President Sharif criticized the government, stating it is regrettable that “the government leaders appear to be more focused on dividing the Somali people rather than working towards their unity.”
“It is evident that the President of the Federal Government of Somalia has not fully grasped the gravity of the threat our country faces, nor the urgent need to take every necessary step to foster unity and cohesion among the Somali people,” Sharif added.
The former leader expressed concern over the rise of clan-based mobilization and the promotion of divisive rhetoric through the media, calling it profoundly troubling.
He added that the government has failed in its fundamental role of guiding, uniting, and mobilizing the Somali people to safeguard the nation.
“I call upon all Somali citizens, wherever they may be, to rise above clanism, internal conflicts, and divisions. Instead, let us unite in defense of our nation. I remind my fellow citizens that it was these clan-based sentiments and animosities that led to the collapse of our government three decades ago. It is imperative that we do not return to the same destructive path,” he urged.
The situation has been further exacerbated by inflammatory statements from government officials. Several officials, including directors of government ministries, denounced the Southwest State and even issued threats of violence against Somaliland.
Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi also called for the execution of what he described as “traitors supporting Ethiopia” in Somalia. Such rhetoric has been seen as incitement, risking inter-communal conflict in a country already fraught with deadly clan and ethnic-based violence.
“I urge the government leaders to act with a national vision and to avoid any actions that could weaken the strength and cohesion of our people. Only a united nation can effectively defend itself. The government must come up with a vision that unites the people and prevents the misuse of state power for factional interests,” Sharif emphasized in his closing remarks.