Puntland, Jubaland and Salvation Forum Bloc Says It Recognizes Farmaajo as an Opposition Figure Aligned with Its Position

Mogadishu (WDN) — Somalia’s Future Council has drawn a sharper political distinction within the country’s opposition movement, saying it recognizes former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo” as an opposition figure aligned with its political position, while rejecting claims that certain former members of the Salvation Forum still belong to its opposition camp.

The statement, made by Mohamed Abdirahman Dhabancad, a member of the Future Council’s technical committee, specifically distinguished Farmaajo from former members of the Salvation Forum who now participate in election-related meetings with international partners.

Dhabancad accused those politicians of maintaining links with Villa Somalia — an allegation that has not been independently established. The distinction is politically significant. The Future Council is positioning itself as a principal opposition bloc, while making clear that not every politician who once belonged to the wider opposition movement is considered part of its current camp.

The Council brings together Puntland and Jubaland with opposition figures from the Salvation Forum and has taken its political dispute with the Federal Government to the UN Security Council.

Puntland and Jubaland at the Core

The Future Council combines the leadership of Puntland and Jubaland with prominent national opposition figures, giving the bloc a political reach beyond Mogadishu.

Its appeal to the UN Security Council for international engagement over Somalia’s electoral deadlock has further elevated its role in the national political confrontation.

Farmaajo’s Distinct Position

The former Puntland Minister, Dhabancad’s reference to Farmaajo is notable because the former president is not being described as a formal member of the Future Council.

Rather, the Council says it considers him an opposition figure whose political position is aligned with its broader challenge to the Federal Government.

That distinction places Farmaajo in a different category from the former Salvation Forum members whom the Council now accuses of being too closely associated with Villa Somalia.

No Deal with Mogadishu

Dhabancad also rejected suggestions that the Future Council and the Federal Government are currently negotiating an electoral agreement.

He said the two sides have held discussions in the past but remain divided over the fundamental issues surrounding the next election.His message was blunt: there is no agreement and no political breakthrough between the two sides.

The dispute remains centred on the electoral framework, constitutional changes and who should determine the rules for Somalia’s next national election.

The Battle Over Who Speaks for the Opposition

The latest statement underscores a broader struggle within Somalia’s opposition movement over who represents the principal opposition camp and who should have a seat at negotiations over the country’s political future.

The Future Council is seeking to establish itself as a central opposition negotiating bloc, backed by Puntland and Jubaland and supported by prominent national political figures.

Its recognition of Farmaajo as an aligned opposition figure — while excluding other former Salvation Forum members — further clarifies the political boundaries it is drawing.

For now, Dhabancad’s central message is clear: The Future Council says there is no electoral deal with Mogadishu, no breakthrough has been reached, and the political deadlock remains unresolved.

WardheerNews