Colonel Nur Farey: The Farewell of a Courageous Somali Officer

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.

In the vibrant yet tumultuous city of Mogadishu, Somalia paid its last respects to a promising military leader, Colonel Nur Mohamed Gabow, affectionately known as Nur Farey. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as the funeral unfolded on Thursday, amidst an air tinged with both grief and mystery.

Gathered at the historic Isbahaysiga Mosque, a diverse crowd of military officials, esteemed clan elders, and heartbroken family members came together. Each individual was united in mourning the sudden, and some might say suspicious, demise of this young officer, whose potential seemed limitless. Silence spoke volumes, as few chose to address the gathering. Those who did nevertheless painted a vivid picture of Colonel Farey’s tenacity and integrity.

Reflecting on his battlefield prowess, former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi remarked, “He never let his men down on the battlefield.” These words echoed with a past incident where Colonel Farey had reportedly shielded one of his comrades from enemy fire—a testament to his selflessness. Such acts of bravery prompted clan elder Mohamud Ali to add cautiously, “His death shows how dangerous it is when the enemy remains within.”

The painful irony lies in the fact that Colonel Nur Farey, at the young age he was, commanded the Somali National Army’s 14th October Brigade. His life was tragically cut short on April 5, a Saturday indelibly marked in the Somali military calendar, during a meeting at Abdow Dibille military camp near Afgooye. Eyewitnesses recount the horror of the moment: as Farey addressed his soldiers, a fellow soldier inexplicably opened fire, claiming his life in an instant.

The clash escalated, with chaos mirroring the larger conflicts plaguing the nation. Reports suggest another officer may have perished, though evidence is elusive. The assailant fell swiftly to bullets, but his body bore the wrath of angered comrades, leaving an investigation into his motives painfully difficult. Perhaps here lies a deeper story—one that challenges us to question the safety and loyalty within our own ranks.

Colonel Nur Farey’s journey began in 2008 when he joined the army. He was not merely a soldier; he was a scholar of defense, having honed his skills through international training and academia, notably at Italy’s University of Turin. He returned to Somalia bolstered by global perspectives but ever grounded in national duty, earning commendations for his significant role during the 2014–2015 Indian Ocean Operation. This major military initiative pushed Al-Shabaab militants out, highlighting strategic brilliance and valor as two of Farey’s many attributes.

Yet even as the achievements pile up, so too do concerns. Colonel Farey’s death is not just a personal loss, but a public alarm, stirring the waters of political turbulence within Somalia’s security sector. Could his killing be more than an isolated act of violence? Questions like these fuel the whisperings of political motivations. Was it, perhaps, the latest consequence of the deep-rooted rivalries that riddle the federal government and the military establishment?

In a nation where alliances can shift the sands, Colonel Farey was noted for his ties to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, leader of the influential opposition party Himilo Qaran. His alignment with Ahmed during the 2021 crisis—to fight against then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s term extension attempt—places him on one side of an ongoing political chess game. With claims suggesting his potential involvement in thwarting similar moves by the current administration under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, one must ponder: was his death a mere coincidence?

In the opaque world of military politics, Colonel Farey’s sub-clan affiliation, which dovetailed with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s, adds layers of speculation. For insiders, it’s no secret that such relationships can brand an officer an “enemy” in the eyes of opposing factions. The diplomatic warmth has certainly chilled recently, as President Hassan Sheikh clashes with Ahmed’s supporters, notably in the strategic Middle Shabelle region.

The rifts are palpable; Sharif-aligned forces have demonstrably refused to join federal troops in anti-Al-Shabaab efforts. Such divides have allowed the extremist group to gain ground—a silent victory forged in disunity. The assassination of Colonel Farey, following a tragic yet recurring pattern of unexplained military deaths since May 2022, does little to fortify public faith in promises of justice and accountability.

President Hassan Sheikh’s heartfelt condolence came swiftly, “Commander Nur Farey was a loyal fighter who sacrificed his life to defend the nation and uphold the freedom of the Somali people.” However, these comforting words feel hollow to many, cautious of whether the investigation vowed will break from history’s precedent of inaction.

On the other hand, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed urged for an unrelenting pursuit of truth, labeling Farey not just a soldier but a national symbol. “His death is not only a loss to the army but to the entire nation,” he declared, demanding transparency from authorities.

As Colonel Farey’s spirit lays to rest, the whispered fears and doubts about Somalia’s volatile political terrain awaken once more. Will his legacy inspire change, or will the murmurings of internal discord drown out the chance for peace?

In a nation woven with complexities, the narrative of Colonel Nur Farey might be just a chapter—yet it calls us to reflection. What future are we building amid such shadows, and how do we honor those like him who fall along the way?

(This story is jointly published by Horn Observer and Kaab TV in Mogadishu)