Mogadishu (AX) — The corridors of Somali politics have always been a tapestry of complex narratives and diverse voices. Against this backdrop, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has raised a clarion call for justice. He passionately appeals for a transparent exploration into the untimely demise of Sheegow Ahmed Ali, a former military stalwart who sadly passed on Monday while in government detention.
As the night cloaked the city in solemn silence, Farmaajo’s declaration echoed across Mogadishu. “It’s imperative that we uncover the truth behind Sheegow’s passing,” he urged, his voice carrying both authority and empathy. His words were not just for the Shiegow’s family, but for a nation that grieves the loss of one of its protectors. In his heartfelt appeal, he reflected on the pain of the family, extending condolences and prayers for resilience and healing.
Sheegow’s story is marked by dedication and turbulence. Having been under custody since the waning months of 2023, he faced the shadows of a 10-year sentence. A military court had ruled in a case saturated with conflict— a standoff in August within the pulsating heart of Mogadishu, where his forces clashed against the very government they once served. His journey halted suddenly at Digfeer Hospital this Monday night.
We are all prisoners of our own device,
wrote Don Henley, and at times it seems fate holds us captive. Health Minister Dr. Ali Haaji Aden offered a medical lens to the tragedy, noting Sheegow’s struggle with liver failure and a positive test for Hepatitis B. His plea for public calm was a stark reminder not to throw this grave matter into the political arena’s tumultuous currents. How often do we stop to listen, truly listen, when emotions run high?
The whisper of doubt, however, floated across the airwaves—the word ‘poisoning’ a suggestive echo. Yet, the representatives of the Jareerweyne clan and Sheegow’s kin stood firm against these swirling suspicions. Minister Dahabo Suusow, speaking as a family voice, dubbed them unfounded and incendiary. We find the medical reports from Digfeer comprehensive,
she declared, and ask to dispel the fog of confusion these rumors cast.
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear, and Sheegow’s bravery was his trademark. His tenure as a commander in Bariirre, Lower Shabelle, cemented his reputation. A natural leader, he publicly stood against the terror of al-Shabaab with resilience reminiscent of his encounter in 2017—a violent exchange that claimed 18 insurgent lives and bore testimony to his valor.
The legacy of leaders like Sheegow underscores a larger narrative of sacrifice and commitment. How do we honor their memory while pursuing justice? The quest for a thorough investigation articulated by Farmaajo is not just about uncovering facts. It’s about healing wounds, restoring trust, and perhaps whispering to our collective conscience—how can we do better?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
