MOGADISHU, Somalia
On an intense Wednesday morning in Somalia, the air was thick with tension as the reverberating sounds of gunfire gripped the town of Masaajid Cali Gaduud. This came at a particularly poignant moment as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was amidst the soldiers on the frontlines, rallying spirits in the Middle Shabelle region.
Al-Shabaab, the infamous militant group making headlines once more, claimed via their online platform that they had successfully taken control of the town. Yet, as is often the case in conflicts marred by the fog of war, independent verifications were elusive. But a glimmer of hope, perhaps, was provided by a local official who indicated that government forces weren’t far removed and might soon return to the fray.
Just the day before, President Hassan Sheikh had rested for the night at Adale, a mere 40 kilometers from Masaajid Cali Gaduud. Such proximity raises questions. Do the militants lay in wait, drawing momentum from moments like these? The relentless battle between the Somali National Army (SNA) and the insurgents across the heartlands of central and southern Somalia has been nothing short of a test of endurance and strategy.
Once reminiscent of a quieter past, Masaajid Cali Gaduud has witnessed remarkable transformation over the past two decades. A town once on the margins, it became a focal point when government forces, alongside local militias, reclaimed it in October 2022. The significance of this town, in the grander scheme of the struggle against extremism, cannot be understated. As one official courageously put it, “It’s more than just land we’re fighting for; it’s our future.”
The administration pledged a renewed push against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle. Standing at Adale, President Hassan Sheikh inspired the ranks of the SNA, bolstering their resolve with assurances of unwavering support. “Defeating militancy isn’t just our goal,” he emphasized, “it’s our destiny.”
By Wednesday afternoon, news trickled in that Al-Shabaab’s grasp on Masaajid Cali Gaduud was tightened following intense combat and a series of devastating explosions. But, as is often the case in the heat of battle, figures on casualties remained shrouded in uncertainty. For Al-Shabaab, it has always been about more than just control. It’s a relentless endeavor to destabilize the UN-backed federal government of Somalia.
Amidst this unrest, President Hassan Sheikh discreetly departed for Mogadishu, only to set course for Turkey later that day upon an invitation extended by President Erdogan. A timely visit, or perhaps a strategic move amid escalating tensions?
The United States, through the Africa Command, alongside the African Union’s Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), have been steadfast in their support for Somalia’s forces. The utilization of aerial assaults by the US Army has served to keep Al-Shabaab at bay, a tactic that has been both lauded and critiqued. “Every drone strike carries more weight than just the bombs. It’s the weight of hope and the burden of loss,” an anonymous soldier reflected.
The past year has seen President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud substantially bolster budgets for national security forces. However, a lingering dependency remains on international forces. The sobering thought surfaces: How will the soldiers of Somalia fare once their international comrades leave the land?
As bullets fly and political chess games unfold, one thing remains clear: The road to peace and stability in Somalia is far from straightforward. Who can say what the coming days will hold for this turbulent region? Could the resilience of Masaajid Cali Gaduud be a microcosm of Somalia’s enduring spirit?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
