By Ismail A. Hassan ( Khaliil)

Somalia’s officials, who are responsible for securing and protecting the country, have once again failed in doing their jobs.

The recent Al-Shabaab bombing of Central Hotel, a place where some of the highest-ranking government leaders such as the Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Omar Arte resides, is proof of utter failures by those responsible for public safety.

It is not secret that the Al-Shabaab terror group has been losing ground to the AMISOM and government forces. The radical group, however, has succeeded in creating panic and havoc in cities like Mogadishu, the capital, in an attempt to destabilize the government. Mogadishu, which has been slowly recovering from two decades of violence, is slowly becoming a battleground.

The Central Hotel is unique because it is located a stone’s throw from Villa Somalia, the seat of the government. It is also a temporary residence for high officials including the Deputy Prime Minister. In essence, it is an important place where no one expected to be targeted.

The recent attack is a testament that Al-Shabaab extremists have the capability to strike any target they desire. The group selects the most strategic locations in Mogadishu for utmost publicity and effect, to expose the government’s endemic weakness.

Since the election of President Mohamoud, the government’s national security services are headed by officials who were primarily selected for being close relatives of the president or belong to same ideological group. Ironically, criteria such as knowledge, skills, and experience in law enforcement are not necessary to head these sensitive agencies. Interestingly, the backgrounds of the heads of intelligence services are in the field of education, particularly associated with the President Hassan’ SIMAD school. Many are young people who were given high military ranks that they do not deserve. The more Al-Shabaab stages suicide attacks the more the incompetence of these current officials are exposed.

The high rise of Al-Shabaab violence might also be an indication that some of the members of the group have infiltrated the government particularly the security sector.

The constant political bickering at the highest level of the government has not helped the security situation as it led to sheer negligence in making security a top priority.

The constant condemning of Al-Shabaab’s terror acts, the holding of emergency meetings by the president and the cabinet to talk about security, all amount to nothing until a well-thought out strategy and action plan are implemented. Moreover, the government needs to appoint qualified individuals to lead the security sector regardless of clan and ideological orientation.

Otherwise, the situation will further deteriorate and more innocent citizens and government officials will be killed.

Ismail A Hassan (Khaliil)
WardheerNews
Email:khaliilha484@hotmail.com