Somalia's President Fires Back at Critics Amidst Governance and Security Challenges

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has fired warning shots to his critics at the time the country was struggling to contain external challenges, arguing that everyone has a responsibility to defend the image of the Horn of Africa nation.

There is no doubt that Hassan Sheikh is struggling to handle threats from Ethiopia besides failing to foster internal cooperation with federal member states and facing the Al-Shabaab militants boldly for the last two years.

But the president has directed his fury to critics, who he wants to protect the negative image of the country including defending onslaught on the transitional constitution, which has been mutilated by his administration without embracing consultations from all stakeholders.

"No one will be allowed to bring forward a negative image of this country and share it with foreigners. Even if it's me, that would be a serious offence, and we must refrain from doing so," says Somalia's president in a stern warning to his critics.

He did not disclose the critics but in recent weeks, the president has openly differed with his predecessors Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who have questioned constitutional changes and diminishing cooperation between the federal and state governments.

Even worrying, Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe stormed out of the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting last week, accusing the team of pushing for term extensions for the federal and regional governments.

Before this predictable yet unprecedented disagreement, Hassan Sheikh was also at loggerheads with Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the leader of Southwest, who had refused to travel to Mogadishu for an NCC meeting before being persuaded to join.

Puntland has cut links with Mogadishu, reaffirming its commitment to work closely with Ethiopia. Last week, Said Abdullahi Deni, the leader of Puntland, boycotted the NCC meeting in Mogadishu. Externally, Hassan Sheikh, who is accused of plotting term extensions, is wrangling with Ethiopia.

"Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will not be allowed to extend his term and Badbaado Qaran 2 is prepared to challenge him,” says Somali MP Dahir Amin Jesow, who maintains that the opposition will be steady and focused on putting the government on its toes.

Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, for the access of the Red Sea, an idea which has been criticised by Somalia. To cure the pressure, Hassan Sheikh has reached out to Egypt and Turkey for military support.

GAROWE ONLINE