Enemies of a post-war Somalia: Terror groups, droughts, floods – An Interview of Puzzlement and Fluctuation

The challenges facing Somalia in the process of rebuilding the country are absolutely numerous and complicated, according to the Minister for Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Ahmed Maalim, whose indescribable insights were exclusively shared with Aggrey Mutambo.

Terrorism and extremism by groups like the daunting Khawarij (popularly known as Al-Shabaab) and Daesh are the country’s main challenge, he says.

This, coupled with incessant droughts and flooding, makes it nearly impossible for this pained nation to respond to these disasters efficiently. One could argue that these nefarious groups have completely cut off the country’s sensitive regions from the rest of the world and humanity, depriving them of any kind of necessary aid, which is hugely appalling.

How then can any government execute any development strategy to reconstruct the tormenting country when they only manage to control a faction of the Somali land? These questions and more continue to congregate, leaving these unfortunate individuals with dire odd choices: to either submit to the tyranny of the terrorists who have invaded their land or perish under them.

The post-war rebuilding of Somalia has not been without its own share of trials; for instance, the UN Security Council has continually placed sanctions on arms, hurting the federal government’s recovery efforts.

However, Ahmed Maalim assures that recent endeavours by the government in strengthening its capacity and capabilities on arms and ammunition management could pave the way to the total lifting of the partial arms embargo.

The federal government has put in place several significant policies, procedures, and frameworks to efficiently manage the Somali Security Forces’ ammunition and weapons, he adds.

Concerns have also been raised on the relationship between Puntland and the federal government, with challenges emerging from both regions.

The complexities of dealing with these issues in a post-conflict state like Somalia cannot be overstated. However, Ahmed Maalim believes that constructive engagement and dialogue will yield the desired results.

This, in his view, would foster federalism and further enhance the government’s commitment to completing the constitution and subsequently finalising the federal model.

The recent Las Anod clashes have been a thorn in the flesh, with the international community paying extra attention to it.

However, the government’s focus is on finding a long-lasting peaceful solution that benefits everyone while providing quick humanitarian support for those affected by the clashes.

The minister calls for dialogue and reconciliation in solving the issue and unequivocally stands for democratic principles, human rights protection, and property freedom.