Saturday April 5, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has condemned the arrest of Abdirahman Suleyman Jama, the chairman of the People's Political Organization, who was detained by Somali police in Mogadishu on Friday.
In a statement released by his office, Farmaajo said the arrest reflects the political process and electoral environment President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is fostering.
"This violation damages the country's political stability and undermines the democratic process. We call on the President to immediately restore the freedom of the chairman of the People's Political Organization, who was illegally targeted," the statement read.
The former President also urged Somalia's security agencies to uphold their constitutional duties and avoid actions that erode public trust and tarnish the military's reputation.
"Once again, we call on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to refrain from actions that deepen political uncertainty and instead focus on restoring national unity and cohesion. At this difficult moment, it is critical to save Somalia from the existential and security threats it faces," Farmaajo added.
The Banadir Regional Police Command said that Abdirahman Suleyman is suspected of committing acts "against national security," but has not provided additional details. He is expected to be brought before a competent court.
Abdirahman's arrest followed a televised interview on Shabelle TV, during which he sharply criticized the government, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of failing to deliver on security and economic reforms.
The arrest came just days after President Mohamud invited political rivals and stakeholders to participate in a national consultation forum to unify efforts against the Al-Shabaab insurgency and strengthen Somalia's federal system. The initiative comes amid a recent spike in Al-Shabaab attacks and is seen as a bid to rebuild political consensus and stabilize the country.