Somalia: State leader makes stiff allegations against central Govt

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The President of southern Federal State, HirShabelle, Mohamed Abdi Waare has accused again the Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu of “naked intervention" in his administration, Garowe Online reports.

The regional leader made the bombshell allegations during a press conference he held in the capital on Monday, 10th Sep with several Federal lawmakers and prominent politicians hailing from HirShabelle regions.

Waare disclosed that Villa Somalia has put more pressure on his administration and Galmudug following the recent joint communiqué issued at the end of Kismayo forum by the presidents of the Federal Member States.

The council of Inter-state cooperation [CIC], convened for 3rd assembly between 4th-8th Sept, whereas the regional leaders expressed concern at the failure of the Federal Government in security and war on Al-Shabab.

The council which is made up of HirShabelle, Galmudug, Puntland, Southwest, and Jubbaland was established last year in Kismayo, the Interim capital of Jubbaland State, in a move that is aimed to unite the states' voice.

"The communiqué released from Kismayo meeting came following days of heated discussions. The Federal Government opted out to increase pressure on HirShabelle and Galmudug and we don't know why," he asked.

- Mogadishu Security -

President Waare “alarmed” over the worsening security situation in the country's capital, Mogadishu, blaming the Western-backed Somali Government for failing to make meaningful progress to address the insecurity.

"The Government doesn't control beyond Wadnaha street and you are well aware of that there is a green zone in the city. I'm worried about the security which seems to be currently getting out of the hands," Waare added.

He stated that the Government continues to 'turn a blind eye' to the frequent terrorist attacks in the seaside city by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabab extremists who are waging a decade-long insurgency in the country.

- NISA changes -

The regional leader denounced the politicization and dismantle of the National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA], which if efficiently managed and coordinated can be the Nation's first line of defense.

"We know that NISA was a backbone of the fight against Al-Shabab as its personnel played a significant role in the security and took a lead to the rescue operations in the capital in terms of terrorist siege," said the president.

Waare says the Intelligence agents now being "integrate" into the Police force, and described the move as a major setback to the efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa country beset by decades of conflict and civil war.

HirShabelle President has urged the Members of Somali Federal Parliament to "be extremely vigilant" due to the fragile security in Mogadishu, the main concern raised at last week's Inter-state council meeting.

The CIC further condemned the utilization of NISA for purposes outside its established mandate and voiced concern the recruitment of former militants and Al-Shabaab 's infiltration into the spy agency ranks.

- Constitutional violations -

The president reiterated that the central Government failed to do wider consultations with the Federal States in the review and completion process of the draft constitution that impedes the country to realize democratization.

The regional leaders said last Saturday that they had suspended all ties with the central government, citing lack of progress in the Security, Federalism, and slow in the long journey to one person, one vote election in 2020.

Waare pointed out that the current Somali Federal Government leaders are attempting to set up a unilateral electoral system to pave the way for to an “easily” win re-election after finishing their four-year mandate.

Sources within the government circles told Garowe Online that Villa Somalia is plotting to mount a fresh bid to oust HirShabelle and Galmudug regional leaders through backing no-confidence motions against them.

The CIC is demanding more autonomy and a better share of the foreign aid, in what signals a deepening rift between the federal government and the states that may plunge the country back into another political crisis.

There was no immediate response from the federal government to the accusations of President and as well as last Saturday's decision by regional leaders gathered in Kismayo who broke off relations with Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE