Four Somali Opposition 'Sprinters' Jump Ship After Government Payout

by: Ali Yusuf | 28 August 2025 16:44

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Four Somali Opposition 'Sprinters' Jump Ship After Government Payout

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - On Monday, August 25, 2025, four relatively minor members of Somalia's opposition Salvation Council announced their withdrawal from the alliance, defecting to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's camp.

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PHOTO: Four members of Somalia's opposition Salvation Council announced on Monday, August 25, 2025, that they were leaving the opposition alliance.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - On Monday, August 25, 2025, four relatively minor members of Somalia's opposition Salvation Council announced their withdrawal from the alliance, defecting to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's camp.

The announcement was made at a Mogadishu press conference, where the four appeared alongside Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama and Justice Minister Hassan Mo’allim.

However, the media reported the defections a day earlier.

Hassan Sheikh, who has faced pressure from the broader opposition, welcomed the move, describing it as part of efforts to secure support ahead of the upcoming national elections—a vote widely viewed as uncertain and contested.

The Defectors are: Former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke; Former Speaker of Parliament and ex-President of South West State Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden; Former Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman and Dahir Mohamud Geelle, a former presidential advisor on Arab affairs and Somalia’s ex-ambassador to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Despite their past roles, analysts describe the four as non-influential players whose defection is unlikely to change the balance of power within the opposition.

The Deal and the Payout

Sources indicate that President Hassan Sheikh offered the four a combined $1 million, with each reportedly receiving $250,000. The politicians cited personal debts as a reason for accepting the funds.

"Somali politics is costly,” one insider said. "It often involves payments and promises to secure support, even from minor figures.”

Beyond cash, each politician reportedly secured personal political promises:

Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke plans to launch a new political party in Mogadishu after losing UAE backing, aiming to reclaim a parliamentary seat.

Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden reportedly secured support to contest the South West State presidency.

Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman is expected to receive backing to retain his parliamentary seat in 2026, enabling him to pursue the speakership again.

Dahir Mohamud Geelle is reportedly promised Somalia’s ambassadorial post to Saudi Arabia, a position seen as influential and financially advantageous.

PHOTO: Four relatively minor members of Somalia’s opposition Salvation Council announced their withdrawal from the alliance

Political Implications

While the defections show President Hassan Sheikh using patronage to attract allies, experts note the four politicians’ lack of influence means the opposition Salvation Council remains largely unaffected.

Opposition MP Abdirahman Abdishakur told BBC Somali that the four "resigned to make personal deals with Hassan Sheikh,” while Dahir Mohamud Geelle first downplayed bribery accusations, but later asserted that any payments came from the Somali government was acceptable rather than from a foreign entity, and alleged what he described as a foreign-state involvement in the opposition movement.

Reports suggest opposition figures, particularly from the Hawiye clan, are planning to relocate their headquarters from Mogadishu’s airport zone to residential neighborhoods, strengthening grassroots mobilization against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.