Mogadishu, Somalia: A Day of Defection and Reflection

The sun was just beginning to cast its golden hue over Xawaadley, a strategic and historically significant town situated approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu. On this particular Saturday, the air was tinged with tension and uncertainty.

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

This sentiment echoed in the hearts of more than 150 members of the Somali National Army (SNA) and Ma’awisley clan militia as they made an unprecedented choice. They surrendered en masse to the militant group Al-Shabaab, linked with Al-Qaeda—a group that has long been the specter haunting Somalia’s quest for peace.

The Significance of Xawaadley

Xawaadley, with its critical positioning between Mogadishu and Jowhar, is more than just a name on a map. It’s a town woven into the fabric of Somalia’s military strategy. Yet, on this day, it became the stage for what some describe as the largest single-day defection in recent history.

The armed men, mostly hailing from the Jareer Weyne clan, handed over their weapons. In return, they received not only cash but something perhaps more potent—amnesty. A Somali security officer in Jowhar, well-acquainted with the unfolding events, confirmed this exchange. “Al-Shabaab contacted them with an offer—cash for their guns, plus amnesty,” he shared, underlining a narrative of desperation and strategic maneuvering.

Grievances and a Catalytic Loss

But what drives men to such decisions? Hunger, for one. Severe shortages of food and water plagued many of the Jareer Weyne militia. These are not new stories in Somalia; they are old wounds reopened, old grievances about marginalization and neglect.

The disillusionment ran deeper with the recent political atmosphere, further spurred by a tragic incident. The death of General Sheegow Ahmed Ali, a respected Jareer Weyne military officer, was a catalyst. Arrested by soldiers from the Hawiye clan in late 2023, his death in custody in April 2024 shook the nation. It wasn’t just an individual loss; it was a communal bereavement. Protests erupted in Mogadishu, echoing the cries of those who felt ignored. These waves of unrest amplified ethnic tensions within the already strained fabric of Somalia’s security forces.

Response and Consequences

Interestingly, the Somali Ministry of Defense has remained silent, not issuing any public statement regarding the surrender. Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab wasted no time in claiming the event through its media channels. They announced the reception of both government troops and militiamen and began a “dawra”—a religious re-education seminar aimed at indoctrination. The specifics of how many surrendered remain with Al-Shabaab, cloaked in their narrative.

The Strategic Fall of Xawaadley

Xawaadley had been essential, a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for AU forces, including Burundian troops and Somali government soldiers. This town was a bulwark against further militant advances. Yet, with the withdrawal of African Union troops due to severe flooding, the town fell to Al-Shabaab in June 2025. It was a domino in a line of falling towns and villages across the regions of Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, and Hiiraan.

Internal reports lay the blame on systemic corruption and logistical failures for these continuous military setbacks. These are not merely tactical errors; they are the fault lines upon which the fragile hope for stabilization teeters precariously.

The events in Xawaadley reflect a broader pattern of struggle and strife but also raise questions about the future. How will the government address these persistent issues? Can unity be fostered in a landscape so often divided by clan and historical grievances? As we ponder these questions, the words of Martin Luther King Jr. resonate once more, urging not only remembrance but action.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.