By Abdullahi A. Nor
Introduction
From the start of his second term, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud disappointed the public by quickly shattering their hopes that he would build on the progress made by his predecessor, President Mohamed Farmajo. President Hassan’s first term was marred by unprecedented corruption, leading to his defeat in disgrace. During his time in opposition, he made numerous statements that appealed to the masses, creating the impression that he had turned away from his corrupt, clan-centered mindset.
Thanks to publicly available records on open sources and the internet, where his speeches while in opposition remain accessible to the public. However, unlike his predecessors, he now delivers political addresses every Friday at the Presidential Mosque, often contradicting what he once stood for. Social media regularly highlights these inconsistencies, comparing his current speeches to those he made while in opposition. As a result, trust in President Hassan has eroded, with many viewing him as a pathological liar. Critics say, “His ears don’t hear what his mouth is saying.”
While in opposition, President Hassan frequently among many, and often falsely, criticized President Farmajo for not adhering to the Provisional Federal Constitution, for encroaching on the autonomy of the Federal Member States (FMS), and for allowing the Eritrea-trained Somali army to be destroyed during the Tigrian war. He also condemned Farmajo’s management of the Turkish-trained army, dismissing it as a collection of militias rather than a true national force. Additionally, he accused Farmajo of failing to consult with the public and the federal states.
President Hassan also condemned any political group alignment with Ethiopia or other foreign powers as a consequence of weak leadership—criticisms he now seems to ignore in his own administration. In his most recent, 13 Sep, 2024, Friday speech at the mosque, President Hassan made a shocking declaration, stating that anyone in Mogadishu found with weapons in their home would be prosecuted, regardless of their status—whether a former president, prime minister, high-ranking military officer, or businessperson.
He added that security forces would conduct raids on any suspected houses in the early morning hours, and if necessary, would be prepared to use lethal force. This aggressive stance mirrors the tactics of Al-Shabaab terrorists. Ironically, during his time in the opposition, President Hassan—along with the other opposition members—had large troops and weapons to defend themselves against Al-Shabaab, and if need be, to initiate urban warfare.
In response, opposition leader and former President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed’s office issued a strong rebuttal, condemning President Hassan’s actions as acts of intimidation. Sheikh Sharif and other opposition members vowed to retain their weapons, asserting they are prepared to defend themselves against both Al-Shabaab and President Hassan’s clan-based militias. Reports indicate that tensions in Mogadishu are rising, with rumors circulating that opposition leaders have called in their clans’ militias. Currently, there is a visible show of force, as heavily armed four-wheel trucks are stationed around the homes of Sheikh Sharif and other opposition figures, marking a significant escalation in the security situation. Defensive measures are being put into place, evoking memories of President Hassan’s actions in 2021, which led to the displacement of around 270,000 Mogadishu residents.
Puntland State leader, Mr. Said Abdullahi Deni, announced on recently that Puntland is ready to address the prolonged political discord with the Federal Government of Somalia, which has persisted for several months. Speaking at the Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) conference for peace, President Deni cautioned that failure to pursue political dialogue could lead to further fragmentation, with other regions potentially following Somaliland’s path to declaring independence. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that Puntland is prepared to take the lead in efforts to reunify Somalia.
Deni’s remarks come in the wake of previous reconciliation efforts by former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdillahi Farmajo, which were met with resistance by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. As Puntland extends this new offer of dialogue, it remains to be seen whether President Hassan will accept it with grace or once again refuse to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Mr. Mohamed Ware, former President of Hirshabelle and current Deputy of IGAD, during question and answer session at Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) conference voiced his concerns in a personal capacity about the precarious path Somalia is currently treading. He warned that Somalia, as we know it, could potentially vanish from the map if the situation continues unchecked. Mr. Ware emphasized the significance blunder of inviting Egyptian forces into Somalia, after their absence from Somali affairs for nearly four decades. This, he argued, could turn Somalia into a battleground between Egypt and Ethiopia, whose geopolitical tensions over the Nile River have already been simmering. Mr. Ware also highlighted the deep disconnect between Somalia’s Federal Member States and the Federal Government, attributing it to a lack of proper consultation.
Read more: President Hassan – Swallowing Poison and hoping others to perish
Abdullahi Ahmed Nor
Email: [email protected]
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