MOGADISHU, Somalia – A contingent from the Somali National Army [SNA] has been deployed in the capital Mogadishu, amid smoldering political tensions sparked by the House of Commons’ decision to extend President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s term illegally this month.
The House of Commons gave the government two more years under pressure from the opposition and members of the international community. Farmajo has since accepted the extension after his term expired on February 8th.
Several sources suggested to Axadlethat the troops were leaving their bases in Middle Shebelle and entering Mogadishu as tensions continued to escalate. The FGS put troops on standby and closed some of the highways leading to the Presidential Palace.
It has been established that the troops are under the command of Colonel Saney Abdulle with reports showing that they are against the lower house’s decision to extend the term of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
Somali National Army Commander Odowa Yusuf Rageh and Hirshabelle leader Ali Guldilawe are said to have tried to persuade the troops to return to their camps, but the attempts failed. The SNA chief has tried to stamp authority over his troops.
In response, Villa Somalia has deployed troops to important crossings in the city. It is not clear what step SNA troops will take amid escalating tensions in the capital and a possible mutiny within the fragile army.
Sources say Colonel Saney Abdulle and his troops are determined to protect former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who are now key opposition leaders. The former leaders are against Farmajo’s period extension.
According to reports, Colonel Saney is currently positioned in the Karan District, the northern part of the city, with SNA Commander Odowa seeking to relocate Colonel back to their original bases, Hir-Shabelle, a state under constant threat of Al-Shabaab .
General Sadik John still has control of the Shirkoole neighborhood and dug trenches to avoid attacks from Villa Somalia. Sadik was fired as Banadir police chief after ordering MPs not to sit in office.
Residents of the Yaqshid district north of Mogadishu say they saw troops and military vehicles at the Fagah junction and spread to new areas of the capital.
Meanwhile, the city’s main roads are still under, making it difficult for the people to continue with their daily base and act as Eid looms. But it is likely that officers may clash with those loyal to Farmajo as they are against his time extension.
AXADLETM.
