Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has accused Somalia’s federal government of targeting his staff, deploying security forces near his Mogadishu residence and restricting access to his home, escalating tensions between the government and opposition figures over the country’s political and electoral future.
In a statement issued Sunday, Sharif rejected allegations by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) that members of his security detail had attacked intelligence personnel in the General Da’ud sector of Wadajir district.
His office described the allegations as misleading and urged security institutions to remain independent of political disputes, operate within the law and treat citizens equally.
Sharif’s office alleged that government forces had been positioned near his residence in recent days and claimed that some members of his staff had been abducted.
It also said roadblocks and movement restrictions had impeded access to the property and disrupted deliveries of essential supplies, including food and water.
According to the statement, Sharif’s security personnel had exercised restraint to prevent the situation from escalating into an armed confrontation.
The former president’s office warned against using unverified security allegations to intimidate opposition politicians or undermine calls for an election process based on political consensus.
It said all reported incidents should be documented and independently verified, adding that anyone found to have committed wrongdoing under the authority of the state should be held accountable.
Sharif reaffirmed his support for national security, the independence of security institutions and the rule of law, but argued that these principles must apply equally regardless of political affiliation.
He called on government leaders, security agencies, opposition figures and international partners to promote transparency, accountability and dialogue, warning that further escalation could threaten civilian lives and stability in the capital.
The statement also stressed that Somalia should resolve its political disagreements through negotiations, mutual trust and an agreed electoral process rather than confrontation.
Sharif denied seeking to provoke insecurity or bloodshed and urged leaders to exercise restraint amid the country’s continuing political tensions.
NISA issued its own statement hours earlier, accusing armed men allegedly acting under Sharif’s orders of attempting to provoke a confrontation with its public protection forces in the General Da’ud sector of Wadajir district.
The agency said its personnel had acted professionally and exercised restraint to prevent further escalation and protect civilians.
The intelligence agency further alleged that armed members of Sharif’s security detail, carrying AK-47 rifles, BKM machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, had forcibly entered homes in the Tiintiinley neighbourhood.
NISA also claimed that the same group attacked its personnel on June 24, 2026, and abducted a soldier who was performing official duties. It said security operations in the General Da’ud sector were obstructed again on June 27.
NISA maintained that it would not allow its personnel to be drawn into political disputes and said it remained committed to protecting national security and maintaining public order in Mogadishu.
The competing statements highlight growing friction between the federal government and opposition figures as political actors continue to debate Somalia’s electoral arrangements.
However, the allegations made by both Sharif’s office and NISA have not been independently verified, and no independent evidence establishing responsibility for the reported incidents was provided in the statements.