MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali National Army chief of staff General Odowaa Rage met with former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu Friday night amid growing tension in the city with sources noting that the former head of state implored on the army boss to remain neutral in the ongoing political stalemate.

General Rage headed to Sharif’s residence in Mogadishu at night according to well-placed sources.

Though the contents of the discussion were not divulged, it is understood the recent extension of President Mohamed Farmaajo’s term was central to the talks.

Sharif, who was president between 2009 and 2012 reportedly urged the army chief to refrain from being used for ‘political ends’ sources privy to the talks said.

The meeting follows heightened tensions in Mogadishu in the last one week. Security forces have been deployed on key roads in Mogadishu especially near the presidential palace and parliament buildings.

There have been fears government forces might clash with militias allied to former Banaadir regional police commander Sadak Omar John who is currently based in Shirkole area in Hodan district. His forces have dug trenches within the camp blocking motorists from sections of the area.