WARSAME DIGITAL MEDIA (WDM) EDITORIAL

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s desperate grip on power has now become an existential threat to Somalia’s fragile political recovery. His obsession with personal rule — camouflaged under slogans of “Soomaali Heshiis ah” ( but in reality being divided), is systematically dismantling the modest gains earned through blood, dialogue, and sacrifice since 2004. His administration has turned the Provisional Constitution into a playbook for authoritarian improvisation. Every institution — the parliament, the judiciary, the security apparatus — is being reshaped into tools for his second-term entrenchment.

But finally, and perhaps too late, a coalition calling itself Golaha Mustaqbalka — a mix of Puntland, Jubaland, and the Golaha Samatabixinta opposition group in Mogadishu — has emerged. Their stated mission: to stop Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s creeping dictatorship and restore balance to Somalia’s federal compact. On paper, it looks promising. In practice, it is dangerously fragile.

Fragmented Personalities, No Command Structure

This coalition is not a disciplined political front. It is a loose assembly of political survivors — each with ambitions to replace Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, not necessarily to reform the system he has corrupted. Puntland and Jubaland have their own state interests and controversial state presidents. Mogadishu opposition elites want personal redemption after years of political marginalization. Without a unified leadership, clear agenda, or mobilization strategy, this “united front” risks being outplayed, infiltrated, or bought out — as Villa Somalia has done to every alliance before.

Hassan Sheikh’s Advantage: Divide, Distract, Dominate

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s political genius lies not in nation-building, but in political arithmetic — dividing blocs, buying loyalties, and weaponizing clan insecurities. His administration thrives on confusion. He will exploit every gap between Puntland and Jubaland, every ego among opposition figures, every delay in their coordination. By the time the “united front” agrees on its letterhead, Villa Somalia will have staged another constitutional manipulation, or called another “national consultation” in Djibouti, Ethiopia, or somewhere equally irrelevant.

Somalia at a Dangerous Crossroads

The stakes are existential. If this coalition fails, Hassan Sheikh will consolidate a centralist, personality-driven regime — erasing federal autonomy, militarizing politics, and delegitimizing regional governments. Puntland and Jubaland will be cornered into survival mode; Mogadishu opposition will be neutralized through arrests, intimidation, or co-option. Somalia’s fragile peace will revert to confrontation.

RECOMMENDATIONS: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY OPPOSE HASSAN SHEIKH MOHAMUD

1. Form a Central Leadership Council:
Establish a small, credible command structure of respected figures — not aspiring presidents. A council that speaks with one voice, defines clear objectives, and executes a united political strategy.

2. Develop a Federal Defense Charter:
Puntland and Jubaland should formalize a joint defensive and political pact — a “Federal Integrity Compact” — to resist unconstitutional interference from Villa Somalia. This must include security coordination, economic cooperation, and diplomatic outreach.

3. Control the Narrative:
The opposition must dominate the information war. Create a joint media platform — independent, multilingual, and digital — to expose Villa Somalia’s manipulations and present an alternative vision of governance. Let the Somali people see the truth daily.

4. Mobilize Civil and Religious Leaders:
Bring the moral weight of the community into the political equation. Somali elders, clerics, and professional associations should issue statements against the erosion of federalism. Legitimacy must move away from Mogadishu’s palace back to the people.

5. Engage International Partners Early:
The coalition must diplomatically preempt Villa Somalia’s propaganda. Present their case to the UN, AU, EU, and IGAD as defenders of constitutional federalism, not as spoilers. Use facts, not rhetoric.

6. Set a Timetable and Vision:
Announce a roadmap for political transition — not just resistance. Define what a post-Hassan Sheikh era looks like: constitutional review, electoral reforms, and a national reconciliation plan led by federal member states.

CONCLUSION

Somalia’s future will not be saved by eloquent communiqués or endless conferences. It will be saved by political discipline, federal unity, and strategic courage. If the opposition fails to evolve from personalities into principles, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will succeed — not because he is strong, but because his opponents are weak, disorganized, and late.

WARSAME DIGITAL MEDIA (WDM)
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