Mogadishu (Isbahaysi) — Isbahaysi Media has obtained information suggesting that a major smear campaign is being orchestrated against former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
Sources indicate that this campaign is being coordinated by the Communications Office of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Ministry of Information. The defamation effort reportedly stems from Villa Somalia’s displeasure with President Sharif’s recent participation in a conference in Garowe and his political alliance with opposition figures.
President Hassan Sheikh is said to be particularly concerned about Sharif’s influence in the politics of Hirshabelle State. To counter this, the administration is allegedly fabricating claims implicating Sharif in clan conflicts within the region.
Abdirahman Nur Abukar, a member of the Himilo Qaran Party’s Communications Office, revealed that Gundhig, a media outlet owned by President Mohamud’s Director of Communications, is preparing defamatory reports against President Sharif. He noted that many journalists have refused bribes to take part in the character assassination.
The decision to target President Sharif was reportedly made after a failed meeting between President Mohamud and Sharif in Nairobi. The propaganda campaign is set to be launched after Eid, coinciding with Sharif’s anticipated return to Mogadishu.
This is not the first time the Presidency has attempted to silence Sharif. Previously, the National Media cut off a live broadcast of his speech while he was fulfilling his duties as a Member of Parliament.
As one of the most influential opposition figures, Sharif’s response to this smear campaign remains to be seen. Other politicians have also claimed that the government is increasingly focused on targeting dissenting voices through propaganda.
