A Tale of Dedication and Disappointment: Ismail Moalim Buule’s Journey and Struggles
LONDON, United Kingdom (AXADLE) – Ismail Moalim Buule was destined for the classroom. With a degree in physics, Ismail landed a role at the Adult Education Centre in Mogadishu. He was soon hailed as an exceptional educator, revered by students like Binti Abshir, who entranced them not only with knowledge but with his infectious enthusiasm as a teacher of both physics and history.
Yet, life had other plans for Ismail. In 2020, he took a dramatic turn, enlisting in Danab, an elite military unit in Somalia trained by the U.S., marking a shift from academia to the battlefield.
HARSH TRANSITIONS: Ismail finds new purpose in the military after leaving a promising academic career. |PHOTO/Danab.
Braving rigorous drills, 27-year-old Ismail found himself in the midst of perilous tasks to weaken Al-Shabaab’s hold in regions like Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle, and Hiiraan. A notable episode transpired in September 2022 when Danab commandos launched a daring raid in Buq Aqable, eliminating 11 militants in one night.
Ismail’s resilience shone brightly amid relentless adversity. January 2023, however, dimmed that light when during a dawn operation in Gal’ad District, Major Hassan Mohamed Osman, a pivotal ally and deputy commander of Danab, lost his life. This loss hit close to home for Ismail, as he had often teamed up with Major Hassan on strategic missions under the guidance of U.S. advisors.
Despite personal brushes with death, such as surviving a critical injury from an IED explosion in 2022, Ismail’s determination remained unshaken.
Fast forward to February 2024, Ismail and his comrades achieved a significant victory by securing Jowhar airport, countering Al-Shabaab influence, following an agreement between the U.S. and Somalia for a $100 million investment to create military bases for Danab. But this initiative stalled, leaving behind unfulfilled promises of reinforcing the Somali National Army (SNA) with new recruits and capable light infantry.
“The plan was to form a robust military contingent,” revealed an insider familiar with the project’s intentions.
Alas, by September 2024, the grueling demands of military life took their toll on Ismail. The cheery prospects of additional bases and a sustainable defense force devolved into a nightmare. Rampant corruption and favoritism withheld his deserved promotions, and neglected essentials like food, salary, and medical care left him exasperated and disillusioned. Even food rations were cut off in April 2024 due to a scandal involving black-market deals linked to the ruling elite.
With a heavy heart, Ismail realized it was time to move on. "Quitting was my only option," he confided in a family member.
Amid such adversities, remaining in Mogadishu became precarious for Ismail. Fears of Al-Shabaab retribution and displeased government officials lingered. The corrupt practices within the deepest echelons of the military continued to undermine its competency and morale, depicting an ecosystem where promotions were mainly influenced by clan or political ties rather than merit.
An in-depth investigation unveiled more grave concerns. Background checks on recruits were lax, creating a potentially hazardous command structure riddled with vulnerabilities.
PHOTO: January 2023, Gal’ad District – A vital ally was lost. Major Hassan Mohamed Osman, known as Hassan Tuure, was killed in a tragic operation, leaving Ismail shaken. |PHOTO/Private.
With even a semblance of stability crumbling around him, Ismail sought refuge where opportunity gleamed brighter. Selling his last valuable asset, his pistol, and rallying aid from friends, he attempted to escape Somalia in a desperate journey towards Europe, entrusting his fate to unscrupulous human traffickers across Ethiopia, Sudan, and the perilous Libyan desert.
But fate was not kind. In December 2024, his group fell prey to desert thieves, robbing them of essential supplies. Ismail, plagued by illness and prior injuries, inevitably succumbed to his dire conditions on one cold December day, alone and far from home.
In the wake of his untimely departure, friends and fellow soldiers reflected on his struggles and service. “He was a young man weighed down by hope and hardship,” asserted Nur Mohamud. Another comrade, Mohamud Abdi, expressed on social media, “A painful loss for which we find solace only in faith. O Allah, guide and bless him in the hereafter.”
The Somali defense ministry refrained from commenting on Ismail’s demise.
Unfortunately, the story of Ismail Moalim Buule serves as a stark reminder of the systemic corruption, absence of just leadership, and prevalent nepotism currently eroding trust and jeopardizing the potential of Somalia’s security forces. Unless earnest efforts are made to rectify these faults, the sacrifices and lives dedicated by soldiers like Ismail will continue to bear no consequence, trailing an ominous shadow over the nation’s future stability.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
