Political figure Fahad Xabash on Saturday displayed a group of armed men in Mogadishu, claiming they support his movement and oppose the Federal Government of Somalia led by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Speaking during the event, Fahad said the fighters were aligned with his camp and were prepared to resist what he described as the federal government’s policies.
He presented the group as part of a broader effort to challenge the current political direction of the country.
The development comes at a time when Fahad Xabash has gained significant attention on social media, where he has been commenting on Somalia’s political and security situation and openly criticizing the federal government.
In recent weeks, local media outlets have also reported that Somali security agencies were seeking information about Fahad’s whereabouts, with some reports alleging that a financial reward had been offered for information leading to his location.
Those claims, however, have not been officially confirmed by the government.
The appearance of the armed group could raise new political and security concerns if its existence and activities are formally verified by authorities.
The event reportedly took place in Mogadishu, the seat of Somalia’s federal institutions and security agencies.
Many details surrounding the group remain unclear. It is not yet known how many fighters were involved, where they originated from, or how they are organized.
It is also uncertain whether the individuals shown were former members of government security forces or part of a newly formed armed faction.
Fahad Xabash has frequently spoken out against the federal government in recent months, criticizing President Hassan Sheikh’s administration and its handling of national affairs.
The Federal Government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the event or the armed group presented by Fahad. Security authorities have likewise not publicly commented on the claims made during the gathering.
Observers are closely watching developments as they await a response from government institutions and clarification regarding what took place in Mogadishu.
If authorities confirm that an armed group has openly declared opposition to the federal government, the incident could have significant political and security implications, particularly given that it occurred in the capital, where key government institutions and major security forces are based.
The incident also comes amid ongoing political tensions and debates over governance, security, and the future direction of Somalia’s political system.