MOGADISHU (SD) – The Future Council has accused the Federal Government of Somalia of political repression, unlawful detentions, and intimidation targeting young people, politicians, and civilians in Mogadishu.

Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, a leading opposition figure, claimed that the government of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is increasingly relying on fear and abuse of power amid growing political tensions surrounding elections and constitutional disputes.

“The expired regime is afraid. When it operated legally, there was no fear, but now that it knows it is operating illegally,” Abdirahman Abdishakur said, while also accusing the government of organizing security forces along clan lines.

He called on Somali youth not to fear government pressure and urged them to continue defending freedom of expression and constitutional rights.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire stated that many young Somalis have reported living in fear due to arrests linked to political expression and criticism of the government.

Khaire also condemned what he described as nighttime security operations involving house raids and intimidation of civilians.

“Entering people’s homes, taking them outside, and confiscating girls’ gold and phones is not governance; it is a dangerous practice that threatens the country,” he said.

The former prime minister emphasized that peaceful demonstrations and political expression are constitutional rights that should be protected rather than suppressed.

Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also criticized the government, accusing it of abandoning democratic principles and freedom of speech.

Sharif described arrests related to political expression as unjust and condemned security searches conducted inside private homes.

“It is not governance to enter someone’s home. This is something the world moved beyond centuries ago,” he said.

The opposition statements come amid increasing reports and complaints regarding arrests of youths and heightened security operations in parts of Mogadishu in recent days.

The statements from the Future Council and prominent opposition figures reflect the deepening political confrontation between Somalia’s Federal Government and opposition movements ahead of disputed electoral and constitutional processes.

Opposition leaders are attempting to frame the government as increasingly authoritarian by focusing on allegations of unlawful arrests, intimidation, and security operations targeting civilians and political critics. These accusations are likely intended to increase domestic and international pressure on Villa Somalia.

At the same time, the Federal Government appears concerned about maintaining security and preventing political unrest in Mogadishu during a highly tense political period. Government officials have repeatedly argued that security measures are necessary to preserve stability and prevent disorder.

The growing rhetoric from both sides indicates declining political trust and raises fears that tensions could escalate further if dialogue efforts fail. Allegations involving clan-based security arrangements and suppression of dissent are particularly sensitive in Somalia’s political environment and could intensify polarization.

The coming weeks may prove critical as Somalia faces mounting pressure to resolve disputes over elections, constitutional amendments, and political legitimacy through negotiations rather than confrontation.