Disagreement Emerges Among Galmudug Leaders: Presidents and Vice President Differ on anti-al-Shabab Campaigns
Thursday September 7, 2023
In Dhusamareb (AX), Ali Dahir Eid, the Vice President of Galmudug Regional State, has accused Ahmed Abdi Kariye QoorQoor, the regional President, of contributing to the failure of military operations against al-Shabab in Galmudug State.
The accusation arose after Vice President Eid suspended Abdi Mohamed Diriye Wayel, the Interior Minister of Galmudug, claiming that he undermined the military operations. However, President Ahmed QoorQoor opposed this decision, stating that the Vice President’s actions violated the Galmudug constitution and exceeded his constitutional powers.
During an interview with an online channel on Wednesday night, Vice President Ali Dahir Eid alleged that both the minister and the President were collaborating to sabotage President Hassan Sheikh’s efforts to eliminate al-Shabab from Galmudug State. According to the Galmudug Vice President, “I assure you that Abdi’s suspension is effective. President QoorQoor and the minister are united in undermining the fight against al-Shabaab and President Hassan Sheikh’s efforts.”
Ali Eid stressed that the war against al-Shabaab should not be politicized, expressing his intolerance for the Minister of Internal Affairs focusing on matters unrelated to the fight against al-Shabaab.
This public dispute between Galmudug leaders is unprecedented since their election to leadership positions after collaborating for three and a half years.
President Mohamud has been in Dhusamareb for over a month to oversee operations in the Galgadud region. However, the military operation led by the federal army faced a setback due to a deadly al-Shabab attack on two military brigades.
Reports indicate that government troops retreated from El Dheer, Masagaway, Gal’ad, and Budbud in the Galgadud region following an al-Shabab attack on soldiers in the village of Cosweyne last week.
Although the government has not confirmed the number of casualties from the attack, it is believed that dozens were killed, over 160 injured, and an unknown number went missing. A purported al-Shabab video also shows a captured soldier.
On Tuesday, Mohamud announced that his government had detained some of the officers who abandoned the front lines, without specifying the number. However, he stated that they would be brought before the government’s military court.
