MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Saturday denounced the arrest of Abdirahman Suleyman Jama, chairman of the People’s Political Organization, detained by police in Mogadishu a day earlier.
Farmaajo, in a statement from Doha, Qatar, accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of fostering a repressive political environment, saying the arrest jeopardized Somalia’s stability and democratic principles. “This act undermines the political process. We demand the immediate release of the chairman, who was wrongfully detained,” the statement said.
He also pressed Somalia’s security forces to adhere to their constitutional roles and avoid moves that could harm public confidence or the military’s standing. “President Mohamud must stop actions fueling political unrest and focus on uniting the nation,” Farmaajo added, warning of escalating security threats facing Somalia.
Police in the Banadir region said Abdirahman Suleyman was held on suspicion of “actions against national security,” declining to elaborate. He is due to appear in court.
The arrest followed his critical remarks on Shabelle TV, where he accused Mohamud’s government of failing to tackle security and economic challenges.
It comes shortly after Mohamud called political opponents and stakeholders to a national forum to rally support against Al-Shabaab and reinforce the federal system, an effort prompted by a recent wave of attacks as he seeks to shore up stability.
