MOGADISHU, Somalia, (HornPost) Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have issued conflicting statements over security incidents in Mogadishu, with each side disputing the other’s account amid heightened political tensions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NISA accused armed individuals allegedly linked to Sharif of attacking its Public Protection Forces in the General Da’ud section of Mogadishu’s Wadajir district.
The agency said its personnel exercised restraint during the incident and accused the armed group of attempting to provoke a confrontation.
NISA also alleged that armed men entered homes in the Tiintiinley neighborhood carrying weapons, including AK-47 rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
The agency referred to previous incidents in June, including an alleged attack on its personnel and the abduction of an officer.
The agency said it remained committed to national security and the rule of law, stressing that security institutions should operate independently of political rivalries.
Sharif rejects NISA allegations
In a separate statement dated October 11, Sharif’s office categorically rejected NISA’s allegations, describing them as false and saying they did not reflect the actual sequence of events around the former president’s residence.
Sharif’s office accused the authorities of creating security pressure around his residence through roadblocks, movement restrictions and the deployment of armed personnel nearby.
It also alleged that access to essential supplies, including water and food, had been obstructed and that some employees working at the former president’s office had been abducted. The statement said those around Sharif had exercised restraint to avoid an armed confrontation.
The allegations made by Sharif’s office have not been independently verified.
Sharif’s office said national security institutions should remain independent of political competition and apply the law equally to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
It also warned against using security incidents or unverified allegations to intimidate opposition politicians or undermine efforts to reach agreement on Somalia’s electoral process.
Political dispute raises concerns over escalation
The exchange comes amid broader disagreements over Somalia’s political future and the electoral process. Sharif’s office accused the government of actions that could increase tensions and called for dialogue, accountability and a political settlement.
The former president’s statement urged the government, security agencies, political leaders and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid steps that could lead to armed confrontation. It also called on Somalia’s international partners to support transparency, accountability and efforts to resolve the electoral dispute.
NISA, meanwhile, said it was committed to protecting national security and maintaining lawful operations.
The two statements present sharply different accounts of the security situation. Neither side’s allegations should be treated as independently established facts without further evidence or independent verification.
HornPost will continue to follow developments and any official responses or independently verified information concerning the incidents.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
