MOGADISHU (SD)— Former Somali presidents Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed have sharply criticized the Federal Government, accusing it of using state security institutions to intimidate political opponents and suppress opposition activities.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Mogadishu, the two former leaders condemned recent security operations carried out in the capital, describing them as politically motivated actions directed against opposition figures and presidential contenders.

The former presidents alleged that security agencies had targeted opposition politicians and misused resources intended for counterterrorism operations to conduct raids on the homes of former officials and government critics.

Sheikh Sharif rejected reports that weapons had been seized from opposition leaders during the operations, describing the claims as an attempt to justify actions taken against political rivals.

“These allegations are being used to create a pretext for targeting opposition figures,” Sharif said, while calling for respect for political freedoms and constitutional rights.

Former President Farmaajo also criticized the government's handling of the political crisis and revealed that he had proposed a direct meeting involving himself, Sheikh Sharif, and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to seek a Somali-led solution to the country's political disputes.

Farmaajo said he believes Somalia's challenges can be resolved through dialogue among national leaders without the need for external mediation.

The remarks come amid growing political tensions over elections, constitutional amendments, and allegations by opposition groups that the government is attempting to restrict political activity ahead of key political decisions.

The joint appearance by Sheikh Sharif and Farmaajo is politically significant because it brings together two influential former presidents who have often represented different political camps within Somalia.

Their criticism reflects a widening opposition front against the Federal Government and demonstrates increasing concern among opposition leaders regarding the role of security institutions in political disputes.

Farmaajo's call for a direct meeting with Hassan Sheikh and Sheikh Sharif suggests that some senior political figures still see dialogue among Somali leaders as the most viable path toward resolving the country's electoral and constitutional disagreements.

At the same time, the allegations of politically motivated security operations are likely to deepen mistrust between the government and opposition. If left unresolved, such accusations could complicate efforts to reach consensus on elections and governance reforms.

The development highlights the growing pressure on Somalia's political leadership to find a negotiated solution to ongoing disputes while avoiding actions that could further polarize the country's political environment.