Former Somali President calls for political unity ahead of AUSSOM transition
Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has warned that political instability and corruption could jeopardize Somalia's security as the country prepares for the withdrawal of African Union peacekeepers. He urged national leaders to prioritize reconciliation to prevent a security vacuum that could be exploited by Al-Shabaab.
Why it matters
The transition of security responsibilities from international forces to local authorities is a pivotal moment for Somalia's sovereignty and regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Mogadishu (HOL) - Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Wednesday questioned Somalia's readiness to assume full security responsibility after African Union peacekeepers withdraw, warning that political divisions and corruption could undermine recent security gains.
Speaking at an event in Mogadishu, Sharif, who chairs the Somali Future Council, said Somalia must honestly assess the readiness of its armed forces alongside the country's political and economic conditions before taking over security responsibilities from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The former president warned that Somalia risked repeating the circumstances that preceded the collapse of Afghanistan, arguing that political disunity and corruption pose greater threats than military shortcomings.
"If these issues are not addressed, they could weaken government institutions and the military's power, and the country could be taken over by Al-Shabaab," he said.
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