Somalia political crisis intensifies as troops surround former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s residence

Tensions in Mogadishu have escalated following reports that government forces have deployed near the residence of former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The military movement comes amid a deepening constitutional dispute regarding the mandate of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the legitimacy of recent constitutional amendments.

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has accused armed militias under Sharif’s command of attacking its Public Protection Forces in the Wadajir District. NISA alleges that these militias, armed with AK-47s, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades, attempted to provoke a violent confrontation and obstructed agency operations.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has denied these allegations, stating that all incidents must be “properly documented, thoroughly investigated, and independently verified.” While reports indicate government troops have been positioned near his home, sources close to the former president claim no formal order to attack the property has been issued. The standoff reflects a broader struggle over whether the current administration’s term is legitimate, with the opposition arguing that presidential and parliamentary mandates expired in early 2026.