By Ahmed Ibrahim Ph.D.
In the early hours of a somber morning, the tranquil El-Dher district of the Galgadud region was shattered by an audacious attack on the Somali National Army (SNA). Al-Shabaab struck with impunity, leaving behind a trail of devastation and underscoring the dire state of security in Somalia. This attack is not merely a failure of the military; it is a glaring indictment of President Mohamud and the political leadership that has consistently failed the Somali people and their defenders.
Why were these soldiers left at that base without adequate protection?
This question must be directed squarely at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the leadership of both houses of the parliament. Their incompetence and neglect have left the security forces demoralized, under-resourced, and incapable of effectively countering the ever-present threat of malignant insurgency. The federal government’s current tenure has been marred by insecurity and corruption.
Their inability to foster political unity and instill a sense of purpose has plunged the nation into a state of political chaos, a failure squarely attributable to both the government and the parliament. This lack of cohesive leadership, marked by infighting and power struggles, has led to a fragmented federal government, with various factions vying for influence, creating an environment of instability and uncertainty. The Somali National Army and the country’s security forces are left without clear direction or support, severely undermining their ability to effectively counter the ongoing insurgency.
This political disarray, driven by the government’s and parliament’s failure to act in unison, has not only hampered efforts to combat Al-Shabaab but has also eroded public trust in the government’s capacity to maintain national security. The absence of unity and purpose at the highest levels of government has, therefore, become a significant barrier to achieving peace and stability in Somalia. The Somali people deserve leaders who prioritize the nation’s well-being over personal and political gain, and until this is achieved, the country will remain mired in conflict and chaos.
Over the past two years, there have been over a dozen major attacks on military bases and outposts, resulting in hundreds of casualties. These incidents include the devastating assault on the El-Dher district, as well as attacks in Banadir, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug, highlighting a widespread pattern of vulnerability and lack of preparedness. The soldiers are left adrift, battling an insurgency with no clear vision, direction, or support. Soldiers are often left without proper equipment, intelligence, or reinforcements, forcing them to defend their positions under untenable conditions. This lack of strategic direction not only endangers the lives of the soldiersbut also undermines the stability of the nation.
It is imperative that these critical failures are addressed immediately. The Somali people deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and invests in building competent and well-resourced security forces. Immediate reforms and accountability measures must be implemented to restore confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens and maintain security.
Wasteful Travels
Furthermore, President Mohamud has spent an inordinate amount of time traveling abroad, neglecting the urgent needs of the Somali security forces. These frequent trips, often under the guise of diplomatic missions, have drained precious resources that could have been better utilized to support the security forces. The funds wasted on these unnecessary travels, estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars, could have significantly bolstered the security and military’s capabilities, providing better equipment, training, and support for the soldiers. The president’s absence from critical issues has left a leadership vacuum, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the Somali National Army and demoralizing both military personnel and civilians who rely on their protection.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s trip to Oslo, Norway, to attend a conference of no significant importance, is a glaring example of his misplaced priorities. This disgraceful and insensitive trip took place just days after soldiers were killed by terrorists in El-Dher. Neither President Mohamud nor Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addressed the tragedy; they did not visit the families of the fallen soldiers, nor did they hold meetings to review the incident and develop strategies to counter Al-Shabaab. Instead, President Mohamud embarked on a trip to Oslo, costing taxpayers almost $1 million.
Moreover, President Mohamud made five trips to Nairobi, Kenya, in one month, each trip estimated to have cost about $500,000. Similarly, Prime Minister Barre traveled to South Korea to attend the South Korea Africa Summit, with reports indicating that this trip cost $500,000. These extravagant spending on unnecessary travels highlight a blatant disregard for the urgent needs of the Somali people and the dire situation of the security forces, which continues to suffer from inadequate support and resources.
The root cause of this leadership failure lies in President Mohamud. The current security leadership and structure are incompetent and corrupt, having been selected over more qualified candidates due to their personal ties to the president. This practice has not only undermined the effectiveness of the army and police forces but has also demoralized capable officers who are sidelined despite their qualifications. The lack of competent leadership and the misuse of resources highlight the urgent need for accountability and comprehensive reforms to restore the integrity and effectiveness of Somalia’s security forces.
Ahmed Ibrahim Ph.D.
Email: [email protected]
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