Somali President Seeks Clan Support Amid Growing Opposition

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 03 September 2024 02:43

Visits: 1626
(Rating 0.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 0
0 0
Share via Social Media

Somali President Seeks Clan Support Amid Growing Opposition

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - Facing increasing political opposition and fragmentation, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has turned to traditional clan alliances for support.

Share

Both Jubbaland's Vice President Mohamud Sayid Adan and Galmudug's Vice President Ali Eid were among clan politicians who met president Mohamud.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - Facing increasing political opposition and fragmentation, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has turned to traditional clan alliances for support.

On Monday, sources at the presidential palace, Villa Somalia, revealed that President Mohamud held a significant meeting with Marehan politicians, including two regional state officials and lawmakers.

Both Jubbaland's Vice President Mohamud Sayid Adan and Galmudug's Vice President Ali Eid were in attendance.

The discussions primarily revolved around the president's mounting political challenges and his request for the Marehan clan's backing. A particularly contentious issue was the proposed deployment of Egyptian forces to Somalia, a plan that has sparked concerns among the Marehan, who inhabit the border regions of Gedo and Galgadud.

The clan has already voiced their opposition to this deployment with a concern that it will escalate conflict with Ethiopia.

Tensions between the president and the Marehan clan particularly have been heightened since July when Marehan clan militia intercepted and seized a cache of arms entering Abudwak town in the Galgadud region from the Ethiopian border.

The illicit weapons were reportedly purchased by arms dealers and politicians associated with President Mohamud. Despite attempts by the government to convince the Marehan clan to return the weapons, these efforts proved futile.

Additionally, the meeting touched on President Mohamud's campaign strategy for the 2026 elections, where he advocates for a one-person, one-vote system. This proposal has raised eyebrows due to the ongoing security concerns and the lack of a referendum on such a polling method, which is set to follow the expiration of the current federal government's term.

One parliamentarian privy to the discussion noted that the president also brought up the ongoing constitutional amendments, a process he has been pushing forward despite opposition from key political figures.

Marehan politicians reportedly expressed their reservations about the constitutional changes, citing that other political actors have also opposed the move, viewing it as unilateral.

In response to the election proposal, the Marehan representatives indicated that they would seek further advice before taking a stance. Meanwhile, President Mohamud has reportedly asked the clan to outline their demands in exchange for their support.

This outreach highlights the president's efforts to secure political backing amid a challenging environment, as he navigates through complex clan dynamics, rising opposition, and growing unrest over his administration’s actions.