MOGADISHU - Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, currently a presidential candidate, were blocked from attending a scheduled meeting of the Somali Future Council (Golaha Mustaqbalka Soomaaliyeed) at Airport Hotel on Saturday evening, according to reports from Shabelle TV.
The two former leaders were expected to join regional presidents Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland and Ahmed Mohamed Islam of Jubbaland at the high-level political gathering. However, sources within the Future Council confirmed to Shabelle TV that restrictions preventing their participation remain in place.
According to the reports, the restriction specifically targets the security convoys and protection details accompanying the former leaders. While the individuals themselves are not barred from attending, the prohibition on their security personnel has been interpreted by the politicians as a threat to their personal safety and a potential constitutional violation.
In an attempt to resolve the standoff, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited the residences of both Sheikh Sharif and Roble on Friday evening. During these visits, the Prime Minister reportedly apologized for the incident that occurred the previous night and assured the former leaders that procedures would be simplified to facilitate their participation in the conference.
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Despite these assurances, members of the Future Council contacted by Shabelle TV confirmed that the restrictions have not been lifted as of Saturday evening. The regional presidents from Puntland and Jubbaland are reportedly already present at the venue, while the former national leaders remain unable to join due to ongoing security constraints.
The development raises questions about the treatment of former heads of state, who are constitutionally entitled to state protection and security details. The candidates' camps view the restriction on their security teams as a potential conspiracy against them and a danger to their safety.
The situation remains fluid, with political observers awaiting further developments regarding the participation of these key political figures in the ongoing national dialogue.