Somalia’s Leader Responds to Critics in Face of Governance and Security Struggles

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has addressed his detractors at a time when the nation is grappling with external threats. He found himself in the hot seat, emphasizing that defending the reputation of the Horn of Africa is a collective duty.

Clearly, Hassan Sheikh is battling external tensions with Ethiopia, while struggling to build bridges within the federal member states. Meanwhile, the Al-Shabaab menace has been a persistent thorn for two long years.

Yet, instead of backing down, the president turns his ire toward critics, urging them to safeguard the country’s tarnished reputation. These detractors criticize his administration for tampering with the transitional constitution without widespread consultation.

“No individual should undermine our national image or share it adversely with outsiders. Even if it’s me stepping out of line, it becomes a grave misdeed, and we must desist from such acts,” warns President Hassan Sheikh to his critics with determination.

While he didn’t specify any names, in a few short weeks, Hassan Sheikh has clashed with former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmajo, and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who have raised eyebrows over constitutional amendments and dwindling federal-state relations.

Matters are only getting murkier, as Jubaland’s leader, Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, stormed out of the National Consultative Council (NCC) assembly recently, accusing it of advocating for term extensions for both federal and regional governments.

In a twist that raised eyebrows, Hassan Sheikh also crossed swords with Abdiaziz Laftagareen from the Southwest, who required persuasion to attend a Mogadishu NCC meeting, declining initially.

Northeastern State, on the flip side, has severed ties with Mogadishu, accentuating its partnership with Ethiopia. Last week, Said Abdullahi Deni, the head honcho of Northeastern State, gave the green light to skip the NCC meeting in Mogadishu. Outside the walls of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh is tangled in disputes with Ethiopia amidst accusations of plotting to cling to power through term extensions.

“We’re here to ensure Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extends not a day in office, and Badbaado Qaran 2 is geared to face him,” asserts Somali MP Dahir Amin Jesow, signaling the opposition’s readiness to keep the government accountable.

Ethiopia struck a deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-styled independent region of Somalia, for Red Sea access – a move Somalia isn’t taking lightly. In response, Hassan Sheikh has turned to Egypt and Turkey for military support to help alleviate the pressure from these challenges.

AXADLETM