Mogadishu (WDN) – Sharp divisions have reportedly emerged within Somalia’s Salvation Forum (Madasha Samatabixinta) over the country’s electoral model, exposing growing fractures in the opposition at a critical juncture in Somalia’s political transition.

According to informed sources close to the Salvation Forum, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed accused former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame of contributing to the fragmentation of the opposition bloc.

The sources said Sharif criticized the two leaders for focusing on internal opposition rivalries instead of maintaining a united front against the Federal Government. Sharif have reportedly argued that the lack of cohesion has prevented the opposition from adopting a common position on the proposed electoral framework, creating an opening for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to prolong political negotiations and gain valuable time.

According to the same sources, Khaire and Abdirahman Abdishakur rejected the criticism, telling Sharif that they had urged former President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmaajo” to join the Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka) when Turkish-mediated political talks first began. They claimed Farmaajo declined the invitation, citing his own reasons for remaining outside the coalition.

Sharif is said to emphasize Farmaajo’s strategic importance to the broader opposition, arguing that the former president remains a significant political figure whose participation could strengthen the opposition’s negotiating position. He is also said to have noted that while Farmaajo and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are now political rivals, Farmaajo continues to advocate the same political vision he pursued during his presidency beginning in 2018.

The reported disagreements come as Somalia’s political stakeholders continue to debate the country’s electoral roadmap ahead of the next national elections. Sources say both the Salvation Forum and the Future Council remain opposed to a political party-based electoral process if it results in a contest primarily dominated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former President Farmaajo.

The two opposition groupings reportedly believe such a scenario would marginalize other political actors and have pledged not to support an electoral arrangement they view as lacking broad political consensus.

The reported internal disagreements underscore the growing challenge facing Somalia’s opposition as it seeks to present a united position during negotiations over the country’s political future. With disagreements emerging not only between the government and opposition but also within opposition ranks, prospects for reaching a comprehensive agreement on the electoral model remain uncertain.

The claims in this report are based on information provided by sources close to the Salvation Forum. The individuals named have not publicly commented on the reported exchange.

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