Somalia:2 former presidents form new political alliance

By Mohammed Dhaysane and Magdalene Mukami

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - More than six Somali opposition parties -- including two major parties led by former presidents of the country -- have joined hands to form a new political alliance following a meeting in the capital Mogadishu on Tuesday.

Himilo Qaran party, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and UPD led by former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are part of the new alliance, named Forum for the National Parties.

Ahmed had served as president of country from 2009 to 2012, while Mohamud remained president of Somalia from 2012 to 2017.

Abdilatif Muse Nuur, a lawmaker and the new coalition spokesman, told reporters the alliance has been formed after the main opposition parties met in Mogadishu.

“We will work together to resolving the current political and security issues that this country is facing,” Nuur said.