Thursday August 6, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Wednesday condemned the deadly clashes in Galkayo, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of bearing political responsibility for the violence and calling for dialogue to prevent further instability.
In a statement, Sheikh Sharif expressed condolences to those killed and injured in the fighting and urged Somali leaders to end the political disputes and armed confrontations that he said are deepening insecurity across the country.
Sheikh Sharif accused President Hassan Sheikh of fueling political tensions that have led to armed confrontations in several parts of the country, particularly in Galkayo, where Puntland regional forces clashed with the Puntland Security Force (PSF).
He also alleged that the federal government was using the Somali National Army to pursue political objectives instead of concentrating its efforts on the fight against al-Shabab.
"Rather than directing the country's military capabilities toward defeating al-Shabab, the national army is being used for political purposes, further dividing Somali society," Sheikh Sharif said.
The former president called on all Somali stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue and reconciliation, warning that continued political confrontation could undermine national unity and security.
The statement came hours after Puntland forces seized the PSF headquarters on the eastern outskirts of Galkayo following heavy fighting that began before dawn. Puntland authorities described the operation as a planned security action, saying it targeted forces operating outside the regional government's command structure.
Speaking in Garowe after the operation, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni said the assault was "a planned security operation" intended to send "a clear message to anyone working against the Puntland government."
The federal government had not publicly responded to Sheikh Sharif's accusations or Puntland's actions by Wednesday evening.
