Sharif Sheikh Ahmed explained that the Kismayo conference will focus on establishing a feasible, fair, and inclusive electoral process in which all segments of society can participate.

He firmly denied reports claiming that the opposition plans to form a new government.

The former president noted that the National Salvation Council and the broader Somali consultative conference are important platforms for discussing national issues. He emphasized that participants are credible figures whose views and advice on state-building and elections deserve to be heard and considered.

Commenting on the local council elections being organized by the government in Mogadishu, he said they would not provide a solution to what he described as the government’s failure in managing electoral processes.

He accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of pushing the country back into political uncertainty, warning that if the government fails to deliver credible national elections, it will be difficult for Somalia to recover from prolonged instability.

The post Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed Addresses the Agenda of the Kismayo Conference appeared first on Kaab TV.

The arrests come amid ongoing political tensions in the country and have sparked widespread concern among both the public and political figures.

Former President Shariif Sheikh Ahmed stated that these elders belong to his clan and were targeted solely for supporting the opposition.

He described the arrests as illegal and a violation of citizens’ political rights.

Shariif Sheikh Ahmed also called for tomorrow’s planned demonstration to go ahead as scheduled, condemning the government’s action against the elders.

This incident highlights the escalating tension between the Somali government and the opposition.

Last night, three other elders from Mogadishu were also arrested for criticizing the land-grabbing initiatives of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The post Arrest of Clan Elders in Mogadishu: Shariif Sheikh Ahmed Condemns Action appeared first on Kaab TV.

These accusations are primarily directed at the United Arab Emirates, a former strategic partner now cast by the current administration as a geopolitical adversary.

But here’s the crux of the issue: no evidence has been presented. Not a single document, bank transfer, or verifiable link. Just a barrage of insinuations, false scapegoat and politically convenient soundbites.

For a government that claims to defend Somalia’s sovereignty, this kind of reckless, baseless rhetoric exposes more about its own insecurities than it does about its opponents. These are not principled warnings—they are political distractions.

This isn’t about foreign influence. It’s about domestic pressure. Opposition leaders—many of them former officials, civil servants, and grassroots mobilizers—have returned to Mogadishu to form a united front.

Their timing is no accident. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government is now past the halfway point of its term, and public patience is wearing thin.

The opposition isn’t calling for revolution. They’re calling for inclusion, transparency, and a credible roadmap toward elections in 2026—something Villa Somalia has so far failed to provide.

Instead of engaging with these demands, federal officials have reverted to a tired strategy: label your critics as foreign agents. Manufacture fear. Weaponize patriotism. But in the absence of facts, these tactics fall flat.

UAE as a Convenient Target

The government’s diplomatic rift with the UAE has been quietly growing for over a year, especially as Mogadishu leans more heavily on Turkey and Qatar.

The Emirates—once seen as key allies—are now portrayed in official messaging as meddlers, despite their continued humanitarian and development footprint in Somalia.

Let’s be honest: every administration in Villa Somalia, including Hassan Sheikh’s, has relied on external partners. Military support, budgetary aid, and diplomatic backing all come from abroad including but not limited, to UAE.

So why is foreign engagement only problematic when it doesn’t pass through the gates of Villa Somalia? This selective outrage is not about sovereignty—it’s about power.

What the Opposition Really Represents

Contrary to the government’s narrative, this growing opposition bloc isn’t foreign-funded—it’s publicly fueled. It reflects the frustrations of ordinary Somalis tired of political theater and eager for real accountability. It channels calls for meaningful decentralization, clarity on federalism, and an electoral process free of manipulation.

Labeling such calls as externally driven is not only dishonest—it’s dangerous. It undermines trust in democratic processes and sends a chilling message: dissent equals betrayal.

But Somalis are not naïve. They’ve lived through decades of manipulation and conflict. They can spot political projection when they see it. What the Opposition Really Represents

Contrary to the government’s narrative, this growing opposition bloc isn’t foreign-funded—it’s publicly fueled. It reflects the frustrations of ordinary Somalis tired of political theater and eager for real accountability. It channels calls for meaningful decentralization, clarity on federalism, and an electoral process free of manipulation.

Labeling such calls as externally driven is not only dishonest—it’s dangerous. It undermines trust in democratic processes and sends a chilling message: dissent equals betrayal.

But Somalis are not naïve. They’ve lived through decades of manipulation and conflict. They can spot political projection when they see it.

A Government Losing Its Moral Ground

In accusing its opponents without proof, the federal government is not defending national unity—it is eroding institutional credibility.

You cannot build a democracy by silencing opposition, stoking fear, and calling every critic a traitor. If the administration truly believes in its mandate, it should welcome political competition—not criminalize it.

If it fears the opposition, it should ask itself why. Because when you attack without evidence, people start to wonder what you’re trying to hide.

Final Word: A Fight for Somalia’s Future

This moment is bigger than party politics. It’s about whether Somalia chooses a path of open democracy—or a closed loop of paranoia and power consolidation.

The government’s latest smear campaign is a sign of weakness, not strength. It knows it cannot win on merit, so it resorts to dirty tricks. The opposition must remain steadfast, and the Somali people must see through these tactics.

The road to 2026 will be fraught with government-backed disinformation and intimidation. The 2026 election will not only test candidates—it will test whether Villa Somalia is willing to let the people decide.

The opposition’s movement must be rooted in the national interest, not foreign agendas—and no amount of propaganda will change that. If the opposition stays united and the public remains vigilant, Somalia may yet see a democratic transition—as demanded by its own citizens.

The clock is ticking. And smokescreens won’t stop the reckoning.

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Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed is a journalist and the Director of Arlaadi Media Network. You can reach him on X (Twitter) @JaylaaniJr.

The post Fear of Defeat: Why Somalia’s Government Is Targeting the Opposition with Foreign Agenda Claims appeared first on Kaab TV.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military officials, clan elders, and grieving family members, all mourning the untimely and suspicious death of the young officer.

At Isbahaysiga Mosque, where the funeral was held, there was little said—those who did speak focused on Colonel Farey’s good character and bravery.

“He never let his men down on the battlefield,” said former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi.

“His death shows how dangerous it is when the enemy remains within,” added clan elder Mohamud Ali.

Colonel Nur Farey, commander of the Somali National Army’s 14th October Brigade, was fatally shot on Saturday, April 5, during an army mobilization meeting at Abdow Dibille military camp near Afgooye, in the Lower Shabelle region.

According to eyewitnesses inside the camp, he was addressing soldiers when another soldier opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Shooter gunned down

At least one other officer was reportedly killed in the same incident, though that detail remains unverified.

The shooter was immediately gunned down by other soldiers, and his body was severely mutilated, making forensic identification and investigation more difficult, according to sources familiar with the case.

Nur Farey, father of eight children, who joined the Somali army in 2008, had received international training, including advanced military studies at the University of Turin in Italy, where he graduated in 2022.

He earned a reputation as a capable and brave officer, especially during the 2014–2015 Indian Ocean Operation, a large-scale military campaign led by African Union forces to dislodge Al-Shabaab from areas surrounding Mogadishu and key parts of Lower and Middle Shabelle.

“He was still a young officer during that time, but he quickly proved himself as a strategic and effective commander,” recalled former Somali National Army Chief Major General Dahir Adan Elmi. “His courage and discipline in combat made him stand out.”

However, the circumstances surrounding Colonel Farey’s death have sparked fresh concerns and political controversy in Somalia’s hugely divided security sector.

Ongoing rivalries

Multiple sources suggest that Farey’s killing may have had political undertones linked to ongoing rivalries within the federal government and the military establishment.

Colonel Farey had longstanding political ties to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the leader of Himilo Qaran, one of Somalia’s main opposition parties.

During the 2021 political crisis, Farey was among a small group of military officers who aligned themselves with opposition-aligned clan militias in Mogadishu, opposing then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s controversial bid to extend his term.

In recent months, some sources claim that Farey may have been working with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to counter what they perceive as “attempts by the current administration under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to seek a term extension beyond 2026” —a move that is increasingly drawing tension from various political factions.

Colonel Farey’s sub-clan affiliation, which aligns closely with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has further fueled speculation that his assassination may have been politically motivated.

At least military insiders indicate that such associations often result in officers being labeled as “enemies” by rival factions within the army loyal to the current leadership.

Tensions between President Hassan Sheikh’s administration and supporters of Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have recently escalated, particularly in the Middle Shabelle region.

Some Sharif-aligned clan forces reportedly refused to join federal troops in anti-Al-Shabaab operations, resulting in significant territorial gains by the militant group.

The killing of Colonel Farey is the latest in a disturbing pattern of unexplained and uninvestigated killings of military and security officers, mainly those aligned with the rival clans, since President Hassan Sheikh took office in May 2022.

Dozens of such cases have gone unresolved, further eroding public trust in the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.

President Hassan Sheikh was quick to issue a statement expressing condolences for Colonel Farey’s death last Saturday.

“Commander Nur Farey was a loyal fighter who sacrificed his life to defend the nation and uphold the freedom of the Somali people,” read the statement released by Villa Somalia.

It added that the federal government is launching a “thorough investigation into the terrorist attack” and remains determined to intensify efforts against extremist groups.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, meanwhile, issued a strongly worded condemnation of the killing and called for an independent investigation.

“Commander Nur Farey was a national hero—skilled, loyal, and a born leader,” Sharif said. “His death is not only a loss to the army but to the entire nation. I urge the Somali National Army Command and federal authorities to conduct a full, transparent investigation so that those responsible are held accountable.”

Despite official statements, many military officers including Farey’s colleagues remain skeptical about whether any meaningful investigation will take place, citing the government’s history of failing to pursue justice in similar cases.

As Colonel Farey is laid to rest, the questions surrounding his death cast a long shadow over Somalia’s already volatile political and security landscape.

The post Somalia Bids Farewell to Col. Nur Farey — But Questions Remain Over His Killing appeared first on Kaab TV.

The session was tense, with opposition and pro-government lawmakers exchanging heated words outside the parliamentary hall.

However, Speaker Aden Madobe did not address the reasons behind the extended postponement.

In his opening remarks, Speaker Madobe outlined three main priorities for the parliament: Continuation of the constitutional review process, Completion of pending bills from the previous parliamentary session, and Government accountability.

Notably, there was no mention of the electoral process being pushed by President Mohamud’s administration, a topic that has sparked intense debate.

During the session, Madobe praised the British parliamentary system, sharing his experience of witnessing UK lawmakers scrutinize the Prime Minister.

“I hope one day we will see such a system in our parliament,” he remarked, as cameras turned to President Mohamud, who appeared to be paying close attention.

President Pushes Ahead With Controversial Election Plan

In his speech, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud shifted focus to his administration’s push for a one-person, one-vote election, despite widespread opposition.

“The election is a reality, and it will happen,” he declared, though he provided no timeline for implementation. However, he acknowledged that completing the constitutional review was a prerequisite for holding elections.

“The country must have a finalized and complete constitution,” he told lawmakers, indirectly linking the stalled legal framework to the electoral process.

Security Concerns and Financial Constraints

Security remains a major challenge, with Al-Shabaab militants recently seizing key towns in the Middle Shabelle region.

While President Mohamud admitted to the worsening security situation, he avoided mentioning the specific towns captured by the insurgents.

On the financial front, Mohamud revealed that despite initial government funding, the electoral commission still lacks the necessary resources to function effectively.

The commission, formed last year, has not been fully endorsed by regional states, and opposition groups refuse to recognize it.

The opposition party Himilo Qaran, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, dismissed Mohamud’s electoral proposal, insisting that any future election must follow the previous model, which was endorsed by all stakeholders.

MP Abdirashid Hidig echoed this sentiment, stating, “On May 15, 2026, we expect to have an election process accepted by all. That means returning to the selection model used in previous elections at the airport hall.”

As political divisions deepen, Somalia’s path to the next elections remains uncertain, with growing resistance to President Mohamud’s push for a unilateral electoral process.

The post Somalia Parliament Resumes: President Insists on Unilateral Election Amid Opposition appeared first on Kaab TV.

In effect, this is a practice that has become a means of funding urban modernization and development, creating a new class of oligarchs while it displaces vulnerable communities and erodes public trust in government institutions.

As opposition leaders, lawmakers, and citizens raise alarm, the international community must take note: Somalia’s fragile recovery is at risk of being derailed by corruption, inequality, and the unchecked privatization of public assets.

Somalia has some of the largest expanses of uninhabited land in the Horn of Africa. These include public lands that were once military camps, agricultural fields, and areas reserved for community development-a treasure for a country trying to get up after so many years of war.

However, all these lands were being sold to a handful of rich people, often referred to as “oligarchs,” in non-transparent deals without accountability.

The government argues that the proceeds of these sales would go to finance modernization of cities and covering infrastructure projects. Yet, there is scant evidence to support this assertion.

Opposition leaders, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, accused the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of violating Somalia’s constitution and legal framework by auctioning public property without oversight.

In a joint statement issued in early January, they warned that the uncontrolled sale of public lands risks entrenching corruption, exacerbating inequality, and undermining the rule of law.

Forced Evictions and Displacement

The human cost of these land sales is already becoming apparent. In many cases, these public lands have been home to civilians for years and sometimes generations. Now they are being forcibly evicted without compensation or alternative housing. The evictions are carried out with little warning and no due process.

These acts are a serious breach of public confidence for a country that is just struggling to regain its footing from war and abject poverty.

Displacement of vulnerable communities is not only a humanitarian issue but also a source of social unrest. As more and more people get displaced and their livelihoods affected, so does the threat of protests, violence, and further instability rise.

But even more disturbingly so in a country where the government’s legitimacy has already been weakened, and a region where an extremist group, Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab, is still out to wreak its terror.

A Financial Crisis in the Making

Equally damaging, the land sales have highlighted severe flaws in Somalia’s financial sector. There are reports that several Somali banks face collapse after being lent depositors’ money to buy public lands which the government is selling off.

This reckless act, termed “unlawful” by more than 100 federal lawmakers, jeopardizes not just the savings of ordinary citizens but also testifies to the lack of supervision and control within the country’s banking system. If these banks fail, it would be catastrophic.

The results of a breakdown in financial institutions would be to further destabilize the economy of Somalia, which already remains nascent after years of conflict.

This will also further entrench public distrust in the government and the financial sector, thereby making the attraction of much-needed investment for long-term recovery and development even more difficult.

A Controversial Election Funding Plan

Accusations that the government intends to use money generated by the land sales to finance a controversial one-person, one-vote election add to the controversy.

The political consensus on this issue has not been achieved yet, and there are many questions about the practicality of this initiative, reportedly leading international donors to refuse support for it.

Critics say such an approach in election financing sets a very dangerous precedent, as large tracts of public land get privatized to serve a political interest. In fact, the approach is detrimental to principles of transparency and accountability and runs a risk of increasing political polarization.

And to think this would be occurring in a country where confidence in the government institutions was already at an all-time low. Perceived funding of elections through selling public lands can’t help but reduce further what little confidence citizens currently have in a democratic process.

Government Denials and Public Distrust

Government officials, however, denied these claims and described them as “unfounded and politically motivated.” These land sales are part of an overall economic strategy, they explained.

Yet, the opacity of the transactions has only increased public skepticism. Without transparent mechanisms to ensure that funds are utilized for their intended purpose, the potential for embezzlement and mismanagement will remain high.

While declining to engage all these issues, the government reaction has only allowed the crisis to worsen. Unless the current administration provides a reasonable and credible explanation of its actions, it risks alienating not just its compatriots but also the very international partners whose assistance is essential for Somalia’s recovery.

This means the international community is responsible for this crisis. The donor countries and organizations should push the government of Somalia to freeze the sale of public lands until such time as an appropriate and transparent system is set up.

This means making sure land deals are conducted within the rule of law, adequate compensation to the concerned communities, and money obtained from them used for projects that have value for its people.

Equally significant would be the commitment on the part of international partners to technical and financial support for strengthening the financial sector in Somalia, along with enhancing oversight mechanisms, which would hopefully prevent the type of irresponsible behavior that put Somali banks at risk and jeopardized ordinary citizens’ savings.

A Frightening Crossroads for Somalia

Somalia is at a crossroads. The choices made today will determine the course of the country for the next several decades. In prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability, the government risks squandering a rare opportunity to rebuild a nation that has endured so much.

Selling off public lands may appear an easy solution, but it is a perilous gamble that could widen inequality, undermine public trust, and pave the way for oligarchic rule anew.

The time to act is now. Somalia’s leaders must put the interests of their citizens above the ambitions of a favored few. The international community must hold them accountable.

This means Somalians need to keep demanding for transparency, justice, and their rightful share in all their country’s resources. Only then can Somalia have any real hope of true stability and prosperity.

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Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed, Foreign Policy Journalist and Communications Specialist

The post The Peril of Unchecked Public Land Auctions and the Rise of Oligarchs in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

In a joint statement issued today, the three leaders accused the government of breaching constitutional and legal provisions by auctioning public property.

In Mogadishu, enforced evictions persist as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable families are removed from public lands, which are then sold to wealthy businessmen.

Cash proceeds from these transactions are directly received by President Hassan Sheikh and his immediate family, including his two wives and children, as collaborated by various sources.

Among the sites affected by these sales include former military camps, a public cemetery, schools and several abandoned government ministry buildings, leaving displaced residents in dire circumstances.

President Sharif, former Prime Minister Khaire, and MP Abdishakur stated that the evictions of the vulnerable communities were conducted in order for the president Mohamud to sell the land or pay back his political allies.

The leaders stressed that Hassan Sheikh’s administration has disregarded key legal frameworks established to protect public lands, including:

• Articles 26 and 43 of the Constitution, which require the government to develop a national policy for public assets.
• Articles 50 and 51 of the Public Financial Management Act (2019), which govern the management of public property.
• Articles 87, 681, 723, and 730 of the Somali Civil Code (1973), regulating the use and alteration of public property.
• Law No. 41 on Urban Land Distribution (1973), which prohibits the sale of public lands without explicit legal authorization.

The leaders also accused the government of undermining key principles such as equitable access to land resources, proper land ownership registration, and protections against the exploitation of smallholders in the real estate market.

Warning to Buyers

The opposition leaders issued a stern warning to individuals and businesses involved in these illegal land transactions.

They emphasized that such deals are null and void and that participants could face serious legal consequences under both national and international law.

They highlighted four critical points:

1. Public land ownership cannot be acquired without adhering to constitutional and legal processes.
2. Only lawful procedures can grant ownership of government property.
3. Anyone involved in illegal transactions is complicit in national plunder and will be subject to legal action.
4. Accountability measures will apply to all parties implicated in the illegal sale, purchase, or transfer of public lands.

The leaders concluded by urging the public to resist efforts to privatize public assets unlawfully and called for the strict enforcement of legal protections for public property.

The post Businessmen Warned: Do Not Be Fooled Into Illegally Buying Public Land appeared first on Kaab TV.