Press TV
Thursday, April 26, 2012
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Leader of the Somali Transitional Federal Government Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has officially declared his interest in the upcoming elections slated for August this year that will put an end to the transitional rule in Somalia.However, Somalis have mixed views over President Sharif’s decision to vie for the top seat again with some accusing his administration of favourism and poor governance.
Omar Abdirahman, a security and political analyst argues that the participation of president Sharif in the upcoming elections will create a tough contest for the other contenders.
The current US backed Transitional Federal government (TFG) was only limited to a few districts of Mogadishu since 2009 by Al-Shabaab, but has lately expanded its authority in many parts of Somalia after receiving backing from foreign forces.
Omar argues that president Sharif as a Somali leader failed to address serious issues of concern like the current standing parliament dispute that will be among the things his administration credibility will be judged with.
The United Nations came up with a transitional administration for Somalia in 2004 after more than 13 years of anarchy and lawlessness, in the hope of creating a permanent solution to the Somalia crisis.
President Sharif’s three year rule has been marred by war against Al-Shabaab fighters despite having a large numbers of foreign troops from AMISOM and also Ethiopian troops assisting the TFG forces in securing newer territories. However the group still controls vast swaths in South and central Somalia.