Ibrahim Nadara: From Al-Shabaab to senior position in Somali Government

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a surprising turn of events, Ibrahim Adan Ibrahim [Nadara], a former regional official of the Al-Shabaab militant group, has been appointed to a high-ranking government position. Nadara, who defected from Al-Shabaab in August 2016, has been named the Director General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, under the leadership of Mukhtar Robow, a former deputy leader of Al-Shabaab.

Nadara's appointment on Sunday comes at a time when the Somali government, led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, is facing criticism for its failure to secure the capital city of Mogadishu from Al-Shabaab attacks. Nadara served as the head of Al-Shabab for education in the Bay and Bakool regions in Southwest State.

Security experts in Somalia have pointed to the infiltration of Al-Shabaab into the government ranks as a major factor contributing to this failure. The appointment of Nadara comes 9 days after Al-Shabaab’s deadly bomb and gun attack at a hotel on Lido Beach in Mogadishu,  which killed 37 youths, a tragic event that has shaken the region and underscored the ongoing threat posed by the group

The appointment of a former Al-Shabaab official to a key government position has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among the public. Some see it as a bold move towards reconciliation and reintegration, while others question the wisdom of allowing former militants to hold positions of power.

Nadara's journey from Al-Shabaab defector to a government official is a complex one. After defecting from the militant group, he served as an advisor to Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre before being appointed to his current position. His appointment is seen as a critical threat to the security.

However, the appointment has also been met with skepticism and concern. Critics argue that allowing former militants to hold positions of power could lead to further infiltration and compromise the government's efforts to combat Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE