Mogadishu, Somalia — In a dramatic speech that has captivated the nation, Somali legislator publicly rebuked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration for what he described as a dangerous slide toward autocracy.
Speaking to reporters at the parliament building on Wednesday, Dhuhulow unleashed a scathing critique of the government’s policies, accusing it of emulating the authoritarian practices of Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki.
In his high-stakes address, the former minister of information and a seasoned politician, specifically pointed to increasing media restrictions, the stifling of electoral processes, and the suppression of regional governments as evidence of this troubling trend.
“The signs are unmistakable,” Dhuhulow said.
“Media censorship, federal states’ election interference, and hostility towards regional autonomy mirror the tactics used by Afewerki. We cannot allow such measures to take root in Somalia.”
Dhuhulow’s comments reflect growing frustration among some Somali politicians and citizens who fear that the current administration’s policies are undermining democratic principles.
He alao warned that delays in holding elections in the regional states could further disrupt national progress and potentially erode support for both regional leaders and the central government.
“If the national elections are postponed, it could lead to a significant loss of support for both the regional and central authorities,” he cautioned.
Somalia, a nation long marred by political instability and conflict, has seen a tentative recovery in recent years with efforts toward rebuilding democratic institutions and governance.
However, recent developments have sparked concerns about the direction of the country’s political trajectory.
The current administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was elected for the second time in 2022, is facing numerous challenges, including internal security issues, the threat of extremist groups, and disputes over regional autonomy.
However, concerns are growing over President Mohamud’s increasingly close ties with the Eritrean leader.
Since taking office, Mohamud has made more foreign trips to Asmara than any other nation, raising suspicions among government officials and opposition leaders alike.
His government’s intensifying crackdown on media freedom and the arbitrary detention of critics and journalists have further fueled these concerns, drawing significant attention from lawmakers and other observers.
In his impassioned speech, Mr. Dhuhulow also sent a direct appeal to President Mohamud, urging him to reassess his political strategies.
“President Hassan Sheikh, a leader with extensive experience, must reconsider his current approach to ensure the country remains on a democratic path,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, his remarks reflect growing anxiety among some political factions and civil society groups regarding what they perceive as a drift towards authoritarianism.
As auch, Dhuhulow’s comparison of President Mohamud’s policies to those of Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki—a leader known for his repressive regime—highlights fears that Somalia may be compromising its democratic aspirations.
The Somali presidency is yet to respond to the accusations leveled against it.
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