Somalia: Farmajo discourages recruitment of SNA troops based on clans

MOGADISHU, Somalia - One's clan should not matter when recruitment of national army is done within Somalia, President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has said, in a statement geared towards enhancing security reforms.

For almost three decades, Somalia has been operating without a functional army, following inter-clan conflicts and Al-Shabaab menace, which have plunged the country into unprecedented chaos after the ouster of dictator Siad Barre.

Before Barre's removal in 1991, Somalia had one of the most diligent and professional army personnel, which at one point invaded Ethiopia in the quest for the Ogaden region, in a war that ended in a defeat. The started in 1974 and ended in 1977 after Ethiopia mobilized over 300,000 troops to defend the territory.

And in a bid to rebuild the army, Farmajo said in a statement published by Somalia Security Reforms that the country will not recruit military personnel based on clans, arguing that such a move will sabotage the mission of uniting the country.

“If we recruit our forces based on clan, then the foundation of our forces is wrong," Farmajo said, in a statement which has been backed by Somalis, with many arguing that clannism has been an impedance to the much-needed peace and stability.

Currently, the country is recruiting youths into the military and successful candidates are expected to undergo rigorous training ahead of the anticipated exit of African Union Mission troops, whose mandate is expected to elapse in December 2021.

The Somali National Army, AMISOM envoy Francisco Madeira recently told the UN, will take over the overall security responsibilities in Somalia. There are close to 22,000 foreign troops in Somalia whose primary roles are to defend civilians besides training SNA troops.

Already, the US has trained Danab forces while Turkey is credited for the continued training of elite Gorgor troops. Such programs are also being done by the United Kingdom, as Somalia seeks to establish a formidable army.

To achieve this, Farmajo said, the government is also focused to ensure radical reforms in the military's human resource management, which had previously raised questions from among stakeholders.

"We're seeking professional, disciplined, and accountable forces. The first step is a Human Resource Management system with up to date personal records," he said. In recent weeks, those enlisted have their biometrics and other records stored digitally.

But in a country where the clan is a basis of social-economic and geopolitical realignments, achieving the vision could be a tall order. Clans are used as a basis for bargaining for political power and to some extent, recruitment to civil service.

His sentiments have triggered mixed reactions, a move that could now force the government to relook at its policies on SNA recruitment, even as the country battles endless Al-Shabaab rampage and escalating political divisions.

"Frankly speaking, if we appoint Army commanders, head departments, government officials, and district commissioners based on clans and inequality 4.5 ratios, then why not army recruitment?" wondered Zakaria Mohamed, adding that "Let's synchronize our minds".

"In the 60" our forces were recruited from every district of Somalia. In that way, there was a representation of all Somali Clan communities. More to that the Clans minorities were encouraged to be part of the Army and Police from every region. We need that system," added Ahmed Ali.

Last month, Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire also backed the reforms in the military, adding that the project would help in rebuilding a capable force that is able to defend Somalia from external aggression.

"Our security sector reforming goal was to rebuild accountable, sustainable & capable security forces to defend our country," he said during a high-level meeting that had brought together top security forces.

The military now operates under the stewardship of General Yusuf Rageh, 33, the youngest ever soldier to occupy such a post. There are also hundreds of female soldiers who have risen ranks within the young military.

In June 2019, the Somalia military embarked on a journey to reform its Human Resource Management to ensure transparency and accountability in terms of managing financial systems. Each soldier is paid through a bank account contrary to the previous queueing method.

GAROWE ONLINE