MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Internal rift within the senior leadership of Somalia’s Ministry of Defense have now become glaringly evident, according to insider sources.
These divisions intensified following the government forces’ withdrawal, in conjunction with allied clan militia, from recently captured territories in Galgadud and Middle Shabelle.
The crisis deepened with a daring Al-Shabaab attack on a military base in Cows Weyne, resulting in the loss of 190 soldiers, dozens more injured, and some captured. Al-Shabaab’s brazen raid also saw the militant group looting an extensive cache of military logistics, fuel, ammunition, and even armored vehicles in broad daylight.
The government forces had not only retreated from the recently acquired territories but also abandoned towns such as Wabxo, Ceeldheer, Ceelbuur, Ruunirgood, Masagawaa, Galcad, Budbud, and various villages, leaving these areas under the reign of the terror group.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, speaking on the matter on Friday, conceded that internal errors and abuses of power by government officials had culminated in the worst defeat the army had suffered during its operations against Al-Shabaab.
He emphasized the necessity for accountability while acknowledging the army’s significant triumph in the Battle of Cows Weyne, which inflicted further losses on the Al-Shabaab group responsible for the attack.
A bitter rift on display
Security authorities cite a significant division within the government, primarily involving Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who is also known by the alias “Jama,” derived from his past association with the Hisbul Islam group, and the recently appointed Chief of Staff of the Somali National Army, General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhudin, as the root of the problem.
These two officials hold significant sway in the decision-making process regarding the fight against Al-Shabaab. Abdulkadir Jama, like his colleague, Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Al-Adaala, were both appointed to their positions based on recommendations from former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and both have been implicated in serious misconduct, including the diversion of military logistics such as fuel, food, and cash.
Reports suggest that the discord between the Minister of Defense and the Army’s Chief has hindered military operations. Upon assuming the role of Chief of Staff in June, General Muhidin found himself with limited resources and his operational capacity intentionally diminished, relegating him to the sidelines during military engagements.
Anonymous insiders allege that Minister Abdulkadir Jama sidelined General Muhidin, while Abdirahman Al-Adaala instructed state-owned media not to provide airtime opportunity to the general, thereby denying him the opportunity to communicate with the public regarding his frontline duties.
General Muhidin, faced with mounting challenges, was forced into silence. Al-Adaala’s directive to state media journalists not to cover General Muhidin’s activities came under scrutiny after it was exposed on a WhatsApp chat group, where he cited “government policy” as the basis for this decision.
The diversion of food rations, logistics, and running costs intended for the army did not escape General Muhidin’s notice, but his concerns seemingly went unheeded. The consequences of these internal confrontations are evident as government forces and allied clan militias abruptly withdrew from the frontlines, undoing hard-earned gains.
Security analysts are now sounding the alarm over these repercussions, highlighting the urgent need to address past mistakes for any hope of success in future operations.
While President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged to rectify the issues that led to the military losses, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has echoed these sentiments, calling for an investigation and accountability regarding the Cows Weyne incident.
Minister Abdukadir was conspicuously absent from the presidential delegation that landed in Maxaas on Sunday. Reports indicate that local authorities in Hiiraan expressed strong objections to the inclusion of the Minister of Defense in the President’s entourage.
General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhudin and Minister Abdukadir Mohamed Nur (Jama) have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.