Somalia’s Federal Government Minister of Defence, Ahmed Mo’allim Fiqi, has strongly criticized the ongoing political rift between the government and opposition figures, declaring that what he described as “political hostage-taking” of the country and its electoral process will not be tolerated.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Fiqi opened with a Somali proverb, warning against what he portrayed as deliberate obstruction. He accused certain opposition politicians of intentionally derailing talks aimed at resolving disagreements over the electoral framework.
According to the minister, opposition figures have held multiple meetings in various locations, including Kismayo, hotels within the heavily fortified Halane compound, and Villa Somalia. He said the government had accepted a number of demands and made concessions to facilitate dialogue. However, he alleged that disruptions marked by shouting, disorder, and calculated attempts to stall proceedings ultimately hindered progress.
Fiqi further claimed that after two extended rounds of talks lasting several hours, opposition representatives declared the negotiations a failure. He accused some participants of having premeditated plans to sabotage the discussions from the outset.
The defence minister emphasized that the Federal Government of Somalia is the constitutionally mandated authority responsible for governing the country and would not allow the political process or upcoming elections to remain under what he described as undue control by specific actors.
“Just as the public was liberated from the grip of Khawarij militants, the political process and elections will be freed from politicians who seek to hold them hostage,” Fiqi said.
His remarks come at a time of heightened political debate across Somalia regarding the structure and timing of the next elections. The government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to organizing transparent elections based on the principle of one person, one vote.
