Somalia’s Leadership Faces Trials Amid Turmoil at Home

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — On a day filled with both ambition and anxiety, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in Addis Ababa. His agenda? To participate in the second United Nations Food Systems Summit. Yet, his journey coincides with escalating unrest that threatens the stability of his homeland.

As President Mohamud arrived at Bole International Airport, Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh extended a warm welcome. It was a moment of fragile diplomacy, overshadowed by the unfolding crisis back in Somalia.

Al-Shabab, the notorious militant group, had just captured the pivotal town of Mahas in the Hiran region. This strategic location, within the Hirshabelle state, previously stood as a bastion for Somali government forces and allied local militias. How could things change overnight? Witnesses recount how government troops vacated Mahas shockingly fast, leaving little resistance behind. One might ask—what led to this sudden retreat?

This setback didn’t come as a lone incident. Mahas is now the third significant town in Hirshabelle to fall into al-Shabab’s hands in 2025, following Adan Yabal and Moqokori. Each loss chips away at the federal government’s authority, posing existential questions about its future grip on security.

An anecdote from Axadle highlights the element of surprise. Local Ma’awisley militias, bracing for an assault from the north, were caught off guard as the rebels advanced from the south instead. A tactical deception, but isn’t that the essence of warfare?

Amidst these events, questions arise about the timing and priority of international endeavors during domestic crises. Some political analysts express skepticism over the tangible benefits of President Mohamud’s international missions, especially as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre remains absent from global platforms since his appointment. Should Somalia’s leadership be looking outwardly or turning its gaze inward to mend the fractures within?

Reflecting on this conundrum, a thought by the renowned author and statesman Benjamin Franklin resonates profoundly: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Are the foundational preparations for Somalia’s security up to par, or does chaos loom over the horizon due to neglect and oversight?

Such times demand a blend of strategic foresight and ground-level action. The Somali leadership finds itself at a crossroads, where every decision could redefine the nation’s trajectory for better or for worse. An acknowledgment from history: great nations are built on challenges met with courage and wisdom.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring