​Somalia: New Mogadishu security blueprint [Report]

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Somalia’s Federal Government (SFG) has handed over Mogadishu security to Banadir regional administration in the wake of a series of terror attacks that rattled key and soft structures in Mogadishu and Baidoa.

The new security plan received mixed reactions from government officials and Somali experts who are divided on massive intelligence failures besetting UN-backed national government.

Security analysts and lawyers see the situation and latest moves through different lens, with some arguing that Banadir administration has a constitutional right while others suggest that African Union peacekeepers be replaced with professional Somali nationals.

Col. Abdullahi Ali Maow, an advisor to Somali President on national security, called for Banadir Governor to oversee the security matters in Mogadishu as enshrined in the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC).

At a press conference on the latest security incidents, Security Minister, Abdirizak Omar, has confirmed that work goes to Banadir administration, underlining that the government is committed to the stabilization of the capital.

Meanwhile, Somali lawmakers opposed the handover of security, saying President’s low profile ally, National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Chief, is not entreated with such huge powers and he could only make a shake-up within the security apparatus.

Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) on his side wants government to sideline AMISOM personnel from protections offered to strategic complexes housing high ranking Somali officials and foreigners.

UN-backed national government previously scrapped a similar blueprint by former Banadir Governor Hassan Hussein Muungaab.

Mogadishu has witnessed deadlier rampage including mortar shelling and apparently coordinated suicide attacks in recent weeks.

GAROWEONLINE