A prosecutor says Hodan governor's death planned by gov't operatives

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has admitted that the death of Hodan Governor Abdihakim Dhagajuun was planned by government insiders, in a report that ends the debate about the tragic death of the victim, who was loved within the Banadir region.

Abdihakim Dhagajuun, whose duties were mainly about security, was shot dead in January this year by police officers, raising questions about the security of the capital Mogadishu, which is the hub of the country's social-economic and political landscape.

The military court prosecutor on Saturday said Abdihakim Dhagajuun's death was intentional, something which now gives the probe another dimension, and which could help unravel intrigues behind the endless insecurity incidents in the country.

According to the prosecutor, the government arrested members of the security forces including officers for the shooting death of Abdihakim Dhagajuun, adding that charges will be filed later on Sunday [today].

It's not clear why security forces turned against their boss, who was described as a 'humble and diligent public servant. His death triggered protests in the Somali capital Mogadishu, with protestors calling for the prosecution of suspects.

The statement now rules out the involvement of Al-Shabaab militants, who are known for targeting security forces, senior government officials, and even innocent civilians. The group still controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

Al-Shabaab has also been keen to overthrow the government of Somalia, which largely depends on the international community. There have been concerted efforts to defeat the militants by security forces, both from the Somali National Army and African Union Mission Forces.

GAROWE ONLINE