Northeastern State Denies Allegations of Refusing Somali Government Aid in Fight Against ISIS, Labels Them as ‘Untrue’
AXADLE, Somalia – In the evolving saga of Somalia’s regional politics, Northeastern State has categorically refuted recent accusations from Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. He claimed that Northeastern State has been deliberately sidelining the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in its intense and ongoing campaign against IS-Somalia insurgents. But how can we trust these allegations when the atmosphere is so politically charged?
To delve a bit deeper, let’s consider this perspective: Mohammed Abdirahman Farole, Northeastern State’s Menteri for Environment and Climate Change, shared his insights on the matter. “We’ve left no stone unturned in cooperating with the FGS,” Farole asserted. “Yet, we faced persistent resistance, along with attempts to overhaul the constitution,” he added, depicting a complex relationship fraught with tension and misunderstandings.
An illustrative anecdote from Northeastern State’s recent history may help: following the re-election of President Said Abdullahi Deni, an olive branch was ostensibly extended to the Somali President. According to Farole, this overture for collaboration during the inauguration—witnessed by former national leaders and stakeholders alike—was met not with dialogue but with an ignominious snub.
Instead of an open hand, Northeastern State claims the federal authorities were greasing the wheels for an unconstitutional revision of Somali law. “Now, they’re harvesting the thorns from seeds sown by their own decisions,” Farole reflected, highlighting the extensive gains Northeastern State’s forces have made despite the constitutional fracas.
In the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountains, a theater of their resolute struggle, Northeastern State has achieved unprecedented triumphs, capturing pivotal tactical nodes. Yet, this hasn’t been a solitary endeavor. American and Emirati parties have lent aerial reconnaissance and conducted air raids. While you may wonder if these allies are a panacea, one might question the absence of meaningful federal support.
Within Somalia’s political climate, where alliances shift like desert sands, both Northeastern State and Jubaland are known to have severed their direct connections with the FGS. Strains intensified when Villa Somalia ostensibly neglected aid for Northeastern State’s counterterrorism efforts, prompting Fiqi to denounce these military operations as mere ‘political theatrics’.
Reflecting on December 2024—yes, in this very recent past—Operation Cal-Miskaad became a cardinal point in tilting the balance against ISIS. Under the significant and symbolic “Hillaac Campaign,” Northeastern State forces methodically dismantled ISIS networks, liberating entrenched militant bases and decimating their ranks. Was this merely a victorious operation, or a sunrise heralding a broader shift?
The U.S., not one to sit idly by, sanctioned an airstrike on February 1, pursuant to directives from then-President Donald Trump. Among the casualties was Ahmed Maeleninine, a figure implicated in jihad orchestrations far beyond Somalia’s sand-blown borders.
“Northeastern State’s posture toward the Somali government signals a rejection of much-needed assistance,” Fiqi announced, although evidence seems to bolster Northeastern State’s narrative rather than undermine it.
On a quieter but significant Thursday, Northeastern State forces orchestrated a tactical assault under the ‘Hillaac’ banner, weaving together ground prowess and aerial might. The operation near Togga-Jeceel in the Cal Miskaad mountains culminated with 44 militant fatalities, according to official army dispatches.
In collaboration with the Northeastern State government, the U.S. Africa Command executed an airstrike on February 22 showing Northeastern State’s ongoing struggle is resolute and far-reaching. Further information is provisional but promises to gradually unfold.
Ultimately, what of the FGS’s role? Sitting on the sidelines, the federal government’s stalemate against Al-Shabaab in the broader Somali terrain exposes a stark contrast to Northeastern State’s ‘strategic and impactful’ initiatives. As regional dynamics mold themselves anew, where will this complex relationship lead Somalia?
Report By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring
