By HER staff reporter
Somalia’s federal government and key opposition figures are poised to sign a landmark political agreement in the coming days, paving the way for the establishment of a Democratic Transition Task Force (DTT). However, the fragile path toward political consensus has been abruptly overshadowed by a violent incident in the Gedo region, threatening to derail the delicate negotiations.
According to a senior opposition representative, the negotiating parties are currently in the final stages of concluding the framework for the DTT. Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud, a member of the Nabad iyo Nolol political party—led by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo—confirmed that the agreement is nearly finalized. The task force is intended to serve as a critical bridge for political dialogue and cooperation between the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and various opposition factions.
The momentum behind the impending agreement, however, was severely disrupted following a reported drone attack targeting the residence of General Mahad Abdirahman Shub, the former commander of the Somali Correctional Service, located in the Doolow district of the Gedo region.
Mohamud, who previously served as Somalia’s minister of foreign affairs, seized upon the incident to voice sharp criticisms regarding the government’s commitment to genuine dialogue. In a strongly worded public statement shared on the social media platform X, Mohamud expressed profound alarm over the timing of the strike, noting that it occurred just as the DTT negotiations were reaching a successful conclusion.
“What makes this attack even more disturbing is its timing,” Mohamud stated, questioning whether the operation was a calculated effort to sabotage the political process. He openly challenged the sincerity of the federal administration, asking how President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud could be taken seriously in ongoing negotiations while political opponents are simultaneously targeted with lethal force.
Emphasizing that political differences cannot be resolved through military escalation, Mohamud asserted that violence must immediately cease if the DTT agreement is to hold any meaningful value. According to local reports, the attack on General Mahad’s residential compound resulted in injuries to five civilians. The former commander had been living in the area while publicly voicing his political perspectives.
The incident has quickly escalated into a major political flashpoint, drawing fierce condemnation not only from opposition leaders but also from regional officials in Jubaland. Critics have leveled accusations against both the federal government and foreign partners, specifically pointing fingers at Türkiye for alleged involvement in the strike.
In swift response to the mounting pressure and grave allegations, Somalia’s federal government has categorically denied any state involvement in the Doolow incident. The Ministry of Information released an official statement asserting that preliminary findings from security agencies suggest the explosions may have originated from explosives being prepared internally within the residence, rather than an external aerial strike.
To ensure transparency and address the competing claims, the federal government announced plans to establish an independent fact-finding committee. This body will be tasked with thoroughly investigating the nature of the incident, determining its underlying motives, and identifying any parties responsible.
As the federal government and opposition figures prepare to finalize the Democratic Transition Task Force agreement, the unfolding situation in Gedo highlights the deep-seated mistrust and volatility plaguing Somali politics. Whether the planned agreement can withstand the fallout from the Doolow explosions remains to be seen, as both sides navigate a tense landscape where security incidents and political negotiations remain perilously intertwined.
