MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Somali Future Council has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, describing them as direct threats against opposition groups amid rising political tensions in the country.

The council was responding to comments made by Fiqi on Wednesday in which he reportedly warned that the opposition would be “eliminated,” remarks that have sparked widespread political debate and criticism.

In a statement, the Somali Future Council said the minister’s comments were not ordinary political remarks, but threats allegedly reflecting the position of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration.

“The council does not consider the war threats issued by Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to be political statements. Rather, he is representing Hassan Sheikh, who has recently been engaged in military mobilization and the suppression of civilians,” the statement said.

The latest exchange comes amid an increasingly tense political climate in Somalia, where disputes over elections, constitutional changes, and the country’s political direction have deepened divisions between the federal government and opposition groups.

Fiqi’s controversial remarks, “heads were meant to be bashed”, and statements interpreted by critics as threats of violence against political rivals, have raised fears of further escalation at a time when the country is already facing heightened political uncertainty and security concerns.

Russia’s Putin Sends Trusted Envoy to Deliver Message to Somali President

Kaab TV News Editor — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 21:24:09 +0000

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Mikhail Bogdanov, arrived in Mogadishu on Sunday, where he met with Somali government officials, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

While the details of the discussions remain undisclosed, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi hosted a luncheon in honor of the Russian delegation.

Sources at Villa Somalia told our reporter that Bogdanov personally delivered an invitation from President Vladimir Putin to President Mohamud to attend the upcoming Russia-Arab League summit later this year.

Bogdanov, a veteran diplomat with decades of experience across the Middle East and Africa, is regarded as one of President Putin’s most trusted envoys and has been honored with a presidential medal for his service.

Russia’s diplomatic push in Somalia comes as Moscow seeks to forge new alliances amid its ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its third year. Although Somalia initially condemned Russia’s invasion, Mogadishu has recently softened its stance, with Somali officials making quiet visits to Moscow.

Amidst the African Union’s funding challenges for its operations in #Somalia and the Somali government’s ongoing struggle against the al-Shabaab terror group, there has been a notable increase in #Russian and #Iranian diplomatic activity in #Mogadishu.

On Sunday, April 27th,… pic.twitter.com/BhPis4HLYD

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 28, 2025

The shift in Somalia’s diplomatic posture occurs at a time when the country faces serious internal challenges, including the rapid advance of militant groups toward Mogadishu.

Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the future of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), as the United States — the mission’s largest financial backer — hesitates to commit further funding.

Deputy Foreign Minister Isaac Mursal stated that Somalia is eager to deepen cooperation with Russia in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and trade.

Russia’s outreach to Somalia is part of its broader effort to expand its influence in strategically important parts of Africa.

At the same time, Iran has reportedly been engaging Somali federal officials through Chinese intermediaries, according to diplomatic sources.

These contacts have remained largely secret, especially amid heightened tensions following U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.

Intelligence reports suggest that the Houthis have been using Mogadishu’s seaport to smuggle illicit arms to various Somali militia groups and have developed ties with the al-Shabaab militant group.

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Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Archives - Kaab TV

Political Tensions Rise as Somali Future Council Fires Back at Minister Fiqi’s Threats

Russia’s Putin Sends Trusted Envoy to Deliver Message to Somali President