Somalia: Former president warns of Al-Shabaab threat after Govt fails to protect towns

MOGADISHU, July 28 — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Monday sharply criticised the federal government’s failure to maintain control of towns previously liberated from the militant group Al-Shabaab, following the group’s recent takeover of Maxaas town in the central Hiiraan region.

Sheikh Sharif called the government’s inability to hold onto areas like Maxaas a “serious lapse in leadership” that threatens national security. He urged Somali leaders to take immediate action to secure these areas and prevent further advances by the militants.

“The failure to keep control of towns recovered from Al-Shabaab shows a lack of strategic direction and coordination,” the former president said. “Without urgent efforts, Al-Shabaab could regain momentum and destabilise the country further.”

The criticism comes amid a series of setbacks for the government, with Al-Shabaab retaking towns such as Aadan Yabaal, Moqokori, and now Maxaas — all of which had been declared free from militant control over 12 years ago.

Despite military operations supported by local militias, Al-Shabaab continues to carry out attacks and reclaim territory, raising doubts about the effectiveness of Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts.

The federal government has yet to respond to the loss of Maxaas or Sheikh Sharif’s comments.

GAROWE ONLINE