By Zakarie Soohoyde - Reporter
Somalia, 4 June 2026 – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo said Somalia cannot be held by force, after violence in Mogadishu heightened political tensions between the federal government and opposition figures.
In a recorded statement, Farmajo said the violence that unfolded overnight and into the morning had caused deaths, injuries and displacement, adding that the situation could have been avoided.
He accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of ignoring repeated warnings over the political crisis and said Somalia needed an agreed electoral process involving all political stakeholders.
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“This country must go to elections. You cannot hold it by force. No one can hold it by force,” Farmajo said, addressing Hassan Sheikh. “You will not hold it today. Your time has ended.”
Farmajo urged Hassan Sheikh to stop the violence to avoid deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
He also called on the armed forces not to take sides in political disputes or carry out orders against civilians, politicians or former leaders.
The federal government and opposition figures have continued to exchange accusations over the Wednesday’s armed clashes in Mogadishu.