Somalia headed to a wrong direction under Hassan Sheikh, says opposition leader

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur has taken a swipe at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and a number of leaders, accusing them of blocking reforms, particularly on elections and democracy in Somalia.

In a statement, Abdirahman, who serves in parliament as a legislator, said the people of Somalia are growing impatient over delayed reforms, adding that there is a need for the country's leadership to review some of the policies that have derailed reforms.

According to him, the impending exit of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the delayed fight against Al-Shabaab, and rampant corruption are some of the things that should be reviewed.

"In the past two months, I’ve met with over 200 individuals, including scholars, politicians, ministers, MPs, civil servants, business people, journalists, and youth. They all expressed worry about the political direction, rampant corruption, the halted Al-Shabaab conflict, ATMIS’s withdrawal, and UNSOM’s closure," he said.

"It’s alarming that the executive branch and regional leaders, except Puntland, agreed to rule without elections, sidelining political legitimacy. Immediate reforms are needed to restore public trust and ensure a fair governance system."

Recently, Somalia confirmed plans to close down UNSOM offices in the country within the next few months, a move which raised criticism. Over the weekend, National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh Ali also insisted that Ethiopian troops ought to leave by December 2024.

The fight against Al-Shabaab was also delayed despite huge successes in the fight phase of operations against Al-Shabab within Hirshabelle and Galmudug states. The second phase was due to start in Jubaland and Southwest states, but logistical nightmares seemingly delayed it.

But President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insists that the group has lost strategic regions, noting that the country has managed to liberate several areas from the militants. Recently, top army commanders said the group will be defeated by the end of June 2024.

GAROWE ONLINE