Sanbaloolshe issues a serious warning following the devastating battle yesterday

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The former Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbaloolshe), has released a lengthy statement addressing the complex situation in the country, particularly the security and political disputes arising from the electoral issues still contested between the government and the opposition.

Sanbaloolshe, who directed serious accusations at President Hassan Sheikh, stated that the national forces are being used for political interests, questioning how things are progressing, especially the tensions that have recently emerged in various parts of the country.

“The President whose term has expired, Hassan Sheikh, has used the national army for political struggles, the conflicts of former leaders, instead of building a national army to defend the country against security threats when foreign support diminishes,” said Mr. Abdullahi Sanbaloolshe, who is now a member of the House of Representatives.

He also mentioned the ongoing battles in South West State, particularly the fierce battle yesterday between government forces heading towards the district of Buurhakaba and Al-Shabaab militants, which resulted in significant casualties.

“What happened yesterday in the Jameeco area of the Lower Shabelle region has once again raised a serious question that the Somali people, especially the outgoing leaders and the command of the national army, must respond to sincerely. The national army, which sacrifices itself for the country, does not deserve to be turned into a tool for resolving political struggles,” he added.

Read the full statement below;-

If the national army is used to protect a political seat, who will protect the nation when that seat becomes a source of conflict?

Somalia has long relied on the African Union forces, which have received support from the United Nations and other countries. These forces have played a role in the fight against the terrorism of Al-Shabaab and in supporting the building of the Somali forces. However, external support cannot replace a national, unified military force that has legitimate leadership and is built on trust.

Furthermore, the future of international support is not one that will continue indefinitely. Ongoing discussions regarding the funding and continuation of AUSSOM operations indicate that Somalia must seriously work on how to take responsibility for its own security.

The outgoing president, Hassan Sheikh, used the national army for political struggles, conflicts with former leaders, instead of building a national army to defend the country against security threats when foreign support diminishes.

When the national army is intertwined with political struggles, public trust is damaged, the unity of security agencies is weakened, and the purpose for which the Somali forces were established is obscured.

The events in Raaskambooni, Beled-Xaawo, Gaalkacyo, and the attacks on the homes of former leaders that occurred in Mogadishu in the middle of this year have provided a picture showing that the forces established to defend the country are being used for political interests.

In South West, there is an internal conflict caused by the regime whose time has expired, while in the Hiiraan region, there are complaints from the local community.

What happened yesterday in the Jameeco area of the Lower Shabelle region has once again raised a serious question that the Somali people, especially the outgoing leaders and the command of the national army, must respond to sincerely. The national army, which sacrifices itself for the country, does not deserve to be turned into a tool for resolving political struggles.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, and all the Somali people who lost their soldiers and officers yesterday.

It is regrettable that there are once again efforts to send new troops from Mogadishu, which will reinforce the forces that were attacked yesterday, while there is a desire to return to the same path, at a time when the danger is greater than before, and the troops are demoralized.

The security of our country cannot be resolved by military force alone; it can be ensured through responsible leadership, a political agreement, strong institutions, and a military loyal to the nation, not serving a political seat.

The Somali National Army was established to defend the country, protect the people, uphold the sovereignty of the nation, and ensure overall security. It was not established to become a political shield to protect the presidential seat, to suppress the opposition, or to promote personal interests.

The presidency is a position entrusted with a limited term, but the nation is a shared asset of all the Somali people.

The seat can change, and leaders can come and go, however, the nation and its security institutions must remain, independent of political struggles.

The Somali soldiers who sacrifice themselves for the defense of the country deserve to have their dignity, rights, and neutrality respected.

They should not be forced to participate in political struggles that are not in their or the nation's interest. Their fundamental duties of combating terrorism, protecting the public, and ensuring the country's security should not be diverted.