Somalia Opposition leaders reject 2027 election timetable

Former president Shariif Sheikh Ahmed criticized the incumbent president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of seeking to retain power unlawfully. " If Someone could have stayed in power by force, Siad Barre would have done it," Sharif said at a news conference, referring to Somalia's former military leader, who seized power in a coup and ruled the country for 21 years.  The mandates of the president and parliament expired several months ago, according to the opposition. Meanwhile, the federal government maintained that its mandate runs until May 2027, following a controversial constitutional amendment that has faced strong opposition from key political stakeholders. The dispute over the constitutional changes and electoral process triggered armed confrontations in Mogadishu in June. Security Analysts have warned of the risk of further clashes between the two sides after talks mediated by traditional elders failed last week. The federal government has accused the opposition of mobilizing armed fighters in the capital to confront government forces.  Opposition leaders have denied the allegations.