By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU (Dawan) – Opposition figure and presidential candidate Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has rejected government claims alleging that opposition leaders are acting on behalf of foreign interests, stating that such accusations distract from the ongoing political dialogue in Somalia.
Speaking on the Miizaan Podcast aired by Dawan Media, Abdirahman noted that these allegations have been repeatedly raised in Somali politics.
“These claims and suspicions about foreign involvement are outdated,” he said.
He acknowledged that Somalia remains vulnerable to foreign influence due to weak state institutions, poorly controlled borders, and incomplete governmental authority over the territory.
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However, Abdirahman emphasized that the main issue is not foreign interference, but the political conflict surrounding elections, constitutional authority, and the management of the transitional period following the expiration of the presidential term.
“The dispute is Somali-led,” he stated. “It concerns whether the presidential mandate has ended, whether a political agreement can be reached, or whether one insists on holding power by force.”
Abdirahman concluded that the resolution to the political stalemate lies in the government and opposition reaching a political agreement regarding the transitional phase and the electoral process.