Supreme government official pictured with Al-Shabaab prisoner
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The credibility of the federal government in Somalia could once again be called into question after a top government official was seen with an Al-Shabaab prisoner who has been under NISA custody since 2014.
Ali Yare, deputy governor of the Banadir region and a close associate of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, was pictured with Hassan Dahir Aweys, a former Al-Shabaab leader currently under house arrest in Mogadishu.
The deputy governor is also in charge of security in the administration led by Mayor Omar Filish, something that has now raised questions about the government’s involvement in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, who still control large parts of central and southern Somalia in the countryside.
Interestingly, Hassan Dahir Aweys has never condemned Al Shabaab and occasionally supports Islamist groups. Contrary to the military statement, the operator is always seen on social media, further demonstrating possible protection of the federal government in Somalia.
The senior government official’s close relationship with Hassan Dahir contradicts the Somali government’s approach to combating terrorism. FGS has often insisted that it is engaged in the fight against the militants who continue to wreak havoc in the country.
At one point, there were allegations that the federal government in Somalia houses Al-Shabaab militants, with some even being placed in strategic positions in the government, particularly in the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA].
The al-Qaeda-linked group has been identified as one of the security risks in the country with the United States and other allies promising to crush them. The militants have lost ground in their traditional strongholds following a concerted effort by Allied forces.
AXADLETM
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