Concerns Raised by Former Hirshabelle President on Al-Shabab’s Resurgence
Mogadishu (AX) — In a thought-provoking post shared earlier this week, former Hirshabelle President Mohamed Abdi Ware voiced urgent concerns about the current state of Somalia’s struggle against al-Shabab. As he noted, the focus of both the federal government and certain regional states seems to be drifting away, allowing the militant group to reclaim ground lost in the past few years. Are we losing sight of the bigger picture?
Currently serving as the deputy executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ware is acutely aware of the dynamics at play. He highlighted a troubling reality: “The offensive against the extremist group has dwindled to a solitary frontline in Hiiraan,” he observed, noting that many regions appear either disengaged or, perhaps more unsettling, deliberately indifferent to the peril facing their communities.
Reflecting on Iraq, where the rise of insurgent groups often correlated with a lack of political cohesion, one has to wonder: Can we draw parallels here? Ware expressed a poignant sentiment from three years ago: “I said that we have defeated the Shabaab on the battlefield, and asked, ‘will it defeat us on the political field?’” This rhetorical question resonates with weight as today’s circumstances beg for accountability and vigilance.
The urgency escalated dramatically when reports surfaced indicating that al-Shabab militants had successfully overrun Moqokori, a pivotal crossroads town in central Hiiraan. This marked their first territorial gain in three years, igniting fears and fury amongst residents who had fled the area, describing intense clashes accompanied by at least two significant explosions. Such chaos, sadly, is not a rarity in a region that has witnessed volatility for decades.
During the brazen assault, critical infrastructure suffered: phone and internet connections were severed, muddling attempts to ascertain the full scope of the attack. Local security officials, in a flurry of activity, communicated that reinforcements were being dispatched from the towns of Beledweyne and Buuloburde. The sense of urgency was palpable. Yet, as the dust settled, Hiiraan lawmakers were left dissatisfied, pointing to a troubling trend—delayed governmental responses to previous calls for air support. Where, they wondered, was the decisive action when it was most urgently needed?
In a call for reflection and unity, Ware urged a reassessment of priorities. The lack of both political and military resolve, he noted, is all too apparent—not just to the Somali government but also to international partners and, alarmingly, to al-Shabab itself. This begs the significant question: What message are we sending? Ware remarked, “It is clear to ourselves, to our Partners, and indeed to Shabaab itself, that eliminating this terror group is no longer our number ONE priority!” A sobering assertion, one that echoes in the hallways of power and speaks to the necessity of a cohesive strategy.
One cannot help but think of the grievances that have historically plagued Somalia’s political landscape. The constant buzzing of political bickering seems to sap energy and focus from the counterinsurgency effort. Ware noted, “I still believe we can defeat the Shabaab if we stop the political distractions, the manufacturing of petty issues and artificial crises, and find a common purpose.” This vision of solidarity is essential; without it, the continued strife aggravates an already precarious situation, akin to a child spinning on a merry-go-round—the proverbial “Ila Meereeyso.”
In his crucial message, Ware urges those in power—both federal and regional—to set aside their internal squabbles, re-prioritizing counterinsurgency efforts before the momentum gained during earlier phases is irrevocably lost. If we can navigate through the fog of dispute and work toward a unified front, the prospects for defeating al-Shabab can indeed become feasible. Are we willing to put our differences aside for the greater good?
As our conversation shifts from a local challenge to a broader, existential struggle against terrorism, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The resilience of the human spirit, coupled with meaningful change in governance, offers hope for a future free of fear and turmoil. For the sake of all Somalis, let us remember: unity is strength, and complacency is our greatest adversary.
