Mogadishu (WDN)- In a rare but increasingly urgent tone, Washington has expressed deep concern over the trajectory of Somalia under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership. Once seen as a potential reformer, Hassan Sheikh is now viewed by a growing number of international observers as a destabilizing figure whose actions threaten the fragile gains Somalia has made in governance, federalism, and counterterrorism.

Further intensifying U.S. concern is Somalia’s growing pivot away from traditional Western allies. According to a report by The Washington Post, the White House is deeply disappointed in the direction President Hassan is taking—particularly his neglect of the war against terrorism in favor of internal political maneuvering. A senior White House official stated, “This has led to growing disillusionment regarding U.S. confidence in the Somali government.”

The official noted that terrorist groups have recently regained control of key towns in Somalia, fueling alarm in Washington. During Donald Trump’s first term presidency, the withdrawal of U.S. troops significantly weakened the training and operational capacity of Somali forces. Although some troops have since returned, the robust support once provided to Somali special forces has diminished, and the diplomatic relationship between Mogadishu and Washington continues to erode.

In the vacuum left by waning U.S. support, Somalia has increasingly turned to Turkey, signing significant agreements involving oil exploration, drone technology, and Turkish military deployments. This pivot signals that Somalia is seeking new security partnerships as trust in the United States declines—a development Washington views with caution.

As Somalia veers off course, Washington’s alarm grows louder. Analysts warn that, if left unchecked, Hassan Sheikh’s governance style could undo a decade’s worth of progress. The U.S. is now re-evaluating its support, quietly signaling to regional leaders and international partners that the status quo is unsustainable. It may be time to reconsider not only the leadership in Villa Somalia but also the entire framework of foreign engagement.

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