JALALAQSI, Somalia (AXADLE) – In a twist of events that echoes the intricate clan dynamics of Somalia, over 200 soldiers belonging to the Hawadle clan have recently shifted gears. They’ve abandoned their posts in the Somali National Army (SNA) within the Middle Shabelle region, choosing instead to regroup in Jalalaqsi town, nestled in the Hiiraan region. This pivotal movement occurred on a quiet Sunday night, casting ripples through the region’s social and political fabric.
The Prelude to Withdrawal
Confidential whispers from within the army ranks reveal the trigger for this dramatic exit. Just a few days ago, six Hawadle soldiers faced a grim fate. A rival clan, embroiled in longstanding tensions, executed them last Thursday in El Baraf. The ambush, executed with chilling precision, caught the soldiers off guard in their vehicle before making a point-blank statement with their lives.
Official Response
The Somali government didn’t stand idly by. They swiftly dispatched Intelligence Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe and the SNA Infantry Commander to Jowhar. Their mission? To dial down the growing discord and bring a semblance of peace back to the region. Yet, despite their diplomatic footwork, the allure of protest proved too strong for the Hawadle soldiers stationed on the Hawadley frontline against Al-Shabaab.
Jalalaqsi’s Revelry
As the Hawadle soldiers poured into Jalalaqsi, the town resonated with a mix of jubilation and defiance. The citizens of this central Somali town greeted them with festivity, an unexpected celebration that mirrored both relief and solidarity. Streets buzzed with loud music, punctuated by the rhythmic clamor of gunfire shot into the air in a symbolic salute, while men and women clapped enthusiastically from the pathways.
Echoes of Condemnation
Amidst the revelry, Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe raised his voice, condemning the heinous killings. However, his attempts alongside other leaders to persuade the Hawadle soldiers to reconsider their bold step back from the frontline have hit a wall. It seems these troops, at least for now, are resolute in their stand, a decision that casts a long shadow over the region’s fragile stability.
Silence from the Top
In this unfolding drama, a noticeable silence persists from the higher echelons. The Ministry of Defense and the Somali National Army command have yet to break their silence on the events cascading from these clan militarisms. It is a silence that speaks volumes, leaving many to ponder the underlying complexities and potential fallout in a nation often caught in the crossfire of history and clan loyalty.
These events weave a narrative that highlights the delicate balance of power, loyalty, and survival within the Somali framework. Each action, reaction, and inaction in this saga reflects a deeper, ongoing dialogue etched in the history and soul of Somalia, threading through its people and their stories.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
