An alleged death of Intelligence officer dominate Somalia's eventful week

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the past one week, the controversial death of Ikran Tahlil, a junior employee within the National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA], has dominated headlines within the federal republic of Somalia, which is also struggling with a host of issues.

With the death leading to a contested overhaul within the security sector, wrangles persisted when the family of the deceased sued four individuals who are close to outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. Among those sued is former NISA boss Fahad Yasin.

In the suit before the military court, the family argues that Yasin was in contact with Ikran before she disappeared. The family also insists that the death can only be investigated by the military court for the sake of justice.

President Farmaajo picked a Commission of Inquiry, which is set to probe the matter but Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has since dismissed the move, arguing that Farmaajo is hell-bent to obstruct justice, further escalating wrangles in the country.

Early this week, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed visited Somalia where she also called for expedited investigations into the case. Amina also encouraged the country to invest in the proper representation of women in elected seats.

The UN boss further said the agency will help Somalia to wage a fight against Al-Shabaab militants, who dominate most parts of rural central and southern Somalia. She also pledges UN commitment towards promoting stability in the country.

But barely two days after concluding her trip, Al-Shabaab militants struct again in Somalia, killing at least 11 people in the capital, Mogadishu. This was the first major strike by the militants in as many months, further showcasing the inability of the country to deal with the militants.

The UN condemned the attack as "uncalled for" while promising to help the country tackle the problems. Also, Turkey pledged to work closely with the federal government of Somalia in crushing the militants, who have been wreaking havoc in the country.

On a positive note, the World Bank noted that Somalia's economy is significantly improving after months of a downturn. According to the report, the economy of Somalia is set to grow up to 1.5 percent, in what the World Bank termed as "shocking recovery".

The country has been battling a myriad of challenges key among them Covid-19 pandemic, floods, locusts invasion, and the Al-Shabaab menace. These factors have delayed the recovery of the economy, making it difficult for Somalia to move forward.

Hirshabelle state has started electing senators after months of delay, in what could end the current electoral delays. The regional assembly on Tuesday elected three senators among the Muse Suudi Yalahow who made a come back after serving in the 10th parliament. Senator Fartuun Abdiqadir Karaama also was re-elected while Nur Mohamed Anjeh [Hawadle] is a newcomer.

On Wednesday, the assembly was electing the remaining five senators who will serve in the 11th parliament of Somalia. Already, Mohamed Nur, an ally of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, lost in the first round of the elections.

Finally, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has appointed Muhyadin Mohamed [Warbac] to head the Benadir intelligence team, days after Farmaajo elevated Yasin Abdullahi as the NISA boss.

Abdullahi was simultaneously appointed along with Lieutenant General Bashir Goobe to head the agency, leading to controversy. Reports indicate that Gen. Goobe has since taken charge of the embattled spy agency.

GAROWE ONLINE