Garowe (AX) — In recent times, Northeastern State has sounded the alarms over security issues in Mogadishu, drawing stark parallels with the unsettling collapse of Afghanistan after the U.S. exited the region. The metaphorical bells of caution are tolling, resonating with tales of chaos that have made many hearts tremble.
Northeastern State’s Minister of Information, Dirir, voiced a poignant concern, reflecting, “Most American diplomats have been evacuated. We fear Mogadishu could face the same fate as Afghanistan.” Such a statement paints an eerie picture, one that stokes the embers of anxiety among those who see history as a mirror, occasionally reflecting repeating patterns.
Interestingly, however, it’s worth noting that Dirir’s claim doesn’t align entirely with reality. Recent alerts, notably the March 4 advisory, did prompt the suspension of movements for U.S. diplomatic personnel. Still, it was more of a precautionary measure, following “credible information related to potential imminent attacks.” The whole scenario brings to mind the perpetual state of precaution found throughout history in volatile regions.
The State Department, meanwhile, maintains its Level Four travel advisory against Somalia, a somber testament to the pervasive threats of terrorism, crime, and civil unrest that cloak the nation. This continuous reminder of danger contrasts starkly with the fleeting moments of peace that punctuate Somalia’s timeline.
The backdrop of Dirir’s statements is a landscape marred by escalating Al-Shabaab attacks, especially across central and southern Somalia. The militant group has been notably persistent, amplifying its offensive maneuvers during Ramadan. As it stands, Al-Shabaab has seized parts of the Middle Shabelle region, a testament to their strategic acumen following the void left by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Abdisalam Guled, a former Deputy Director at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), recently sounded an alarm of his own. His observations highlight Al-Shabaab’s evolving tactics, emphasizing their sinister attempt at governance mirroring the Taliban’s model. They appear to be weaving a web of influence over strategic regions, vying for public trust in areas like Hirshabelle. It’s a dark reminder that insurgents often shift their strategies to survive and thrive.
On the flip side of these concerns is Somali Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mukhtar Robow. He offers words intended to soothe frayed nerves, dismissing fears of Mogadishu falling into Al-Shabaab’s hands. “Mogadishu is neither Kabul nor Damascus, and Ahmed Diiriye is no Ahmed Sharaac,” he stated with conviction, underscoring unity as the cornerstone of resilience against insurgency.
Nevertheless, Al-Shabaab’s capability to orchestrate attacks remains a Damocles sword hanging over Somalia. Their temporary capture of Balcad in February, a mere stone’s throw away at 30 km (19 miles) from Mogadishu, sharply brought to light the tenuous grip the government holds over the nation’s defense strategy. It’s a sobering lesson—never underestimate the cunning of those who seek power through chaos.
In a reassuring narrative, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sought to quash foreign concerns, labeling them as “propaganda” while affirming his government’s strides against Al-Shabaab. His vows of intensified offensives serve as a beacon of hope for those yearning for peace amidst turmoil.
Minister Robow, alongside notable Somali religious scholars, have been fervent in condemning Al-Shabaab’s brutality and the twisted ideology they propagate. Recollections of personal tales, like Robow’s story of his brother’s wife being kidnapped and her infant left alone in the wilderness, strike a chord of empathy and determination. Religious leaders like Sheikh Ali Wajiis join these echoes, working tirelessly to delegitimize the group’s corrosive influence.
In juxtaposition, Northeastern State’s concerns entwine seamlessly with the broader tapestry of recent developments. Al-Shabaab’s territorial advances and their shifting tactics signify a necessary discourse on how to best secure the capital, which continues to stand resilient—at least for now—under the relentless weight of insurgent machinations.
In these narratives of hope and concern, one must ponder—can narrative and action unite to pave a path towards lasting peace for Somalia? The unanswered questions etch themselves into the collective consciousness of those who observe from near and far, hoping their fears remain only phantoms.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
