In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Somalia’s political landscape, religious scholars who have been vocal supporters of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud were seen attending an opposition meeting in Mogadishu today. The appearance of the clerics, led by the chairman of the Somali Religious Scholars Council, raises serious questions about the stability of the current administration and suggests a major political realignment is underway.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh has been re-elected for a sixth consecutive five-year term, capturing nearly 98% of the ballot. With term and age limits previously removed, the 78-year-old leader continues his tenure over the strategic Horn of Africa nation, which hosts key foreign military bases.
Somali security forces have taken full control of Jilib Marka in Lower Shabelle after an intelligence-led operation against Al-Shabaab, boosting efforts to restore state authority in a key contested area.
