By Hassan Adan

Former Somali presidents and senior opposition leaders have called for an urgent national dialogue to resolve the country’s growing political crisis, while accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of using security forces to target political opponents and undermine constitutional governance.

Speaking at a joint press conference held at the residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu, the leaders warned that the country was entering a dangerous period of political polarization and urged the federal government to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed accused the government of abandoning political consensus and pursuing policies that have deepened divisions within the country.

“We are witnessing a serious political crisis that requires wisdom and consultation,” Sharif said.

“The solution lies in dialogue and national consensus, not the use of force against political opponents.”

The opposition leaders criticized recent security operations targeting opposition figures and their residences, describing the actions as politically motivated and harmful to Somalia’s fragile democratic process.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire alleged that government forces had deployed heavy weapons in residential neighborhoods during recent confrontations, placing civilians at risk.

“The use of heavy weaponry in populated areas endangered innocent people and demonstrated a reckless disregard for civilian safety,” Khaire said.

Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo used the occasion to make a direct appeal for reconciliation among Somalia’s political leaders, saying the country’s future depended on constructive dialogue.

“I respectfully request former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to join me in inviting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for a meeting between the three of us,” Farmaajo told reporters.

“I am prepared to host that meeting at my residence and personally take responsibility for facilitating the discussions. Together, we can find a lasting solution and chart a way forward for our country.”

Farmaajo said Somali leaders must place the national interest above political differences and work together to preserve stability.

“The Somali people expect us to lead with wisdom and responsibility. This is a moment for unity, consultation and compromise in order to safeguard the future of our nation,” he said.

The former president also raised concerns over reports that security forces had been ordered to raid the residence of former Somali National Army Commander General Yusuf Odowa over allegations that weapons linked to opposition leaders were being stored there.

“We received reports that government forces were ordered to attack the residence of former Army Commander General Yusuf Odowa based on allegations that weapons belonging to opposition leaders were being kept at his home,” Farmaajo said.

“That is totally unacceptable. Our security institutions are still fragile and in the process of rebuilding. If soldiers and commanders begin turning their weapons against one another, it risks undermining the cohesion of our national forces.”The former presudent added

Farmaajo warned that political disputes should not be allowed to divide the country’s security institutions.

“Many of the officers serving today were trained and mentored by commanders such as General Odowa. Any attempt to politicize the security forces or pit them against one another could push them back toward clan divisions, something that would take Somalia backwards and threaten the progress made over many years,” he said.

The opposition leaders further accused the federal government of pursuing constitutional and electoral changes without broad consultation with political stakeholders and federal member states.

They argued that such measures risk weakening national unity and undermining public confidence in state institutions.

The leaders also expressed concern that the ongoing political standoff could distract the country from the fight against Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a major security threat across Somalia.

They urged traditional elders, religious leaders and civil society groups to support efforts aimed at bringing all parties together for meaningful dialogue.

Despite their criticism of the government, the opposition figures emphasized that they remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the dispute and called for immediate talks to ease tensions in the capital.

The federal government has previously defended its security operations as necessary measures to maintain public order and protect national security, while accusing some opposition figures of mobilizing armed groups in Mogadishu.

The former leaders reiterated their call for an inclusive national dialogue involving the federal government, opposition leaders, federal member states and other stakeholders to address the country’s political differences and preserve stability.

“We must choose dialogue over confrontation and national unity over political division,” Farmaajo said.