Somalia Sacks US-trained Army Commander for Criticizing Promotion Injustices

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A day after fierce criticism of the Somalia government for the 'mistreatment' of senior officers, authorities in the Horn of Africa nation have responded by sacking the Danab Special Forces commander, in what could tragically affect the ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab.

Major Carab Dheeg Ahmed, the Danab special forces' commander in Jubaland state who led several successful military operations that saw the capture of key areas in the Lower Juba region from Al-Shabaab was sacked on Tuesday, in what could trigger anxiety in the military.

The gallant military official was replaced with Arif Hire after publicly criticizing the Somali government for alleged injustices in the army promotion system. He went through elite training school for the military which is run by the Americans.

Before his removal, Major Carab Dheeg, the top commander of the U.S.-trained Danab Special Forces in Jubaland, criticized a government decision to promote soldiers who allegedly defected from the Jubaland regional state for political gains against Ahmed Madobe.

Dheeg described the move as unfortunate, noting that national army soldiers fighting on Al-Shabaab frontlines for many years have been overlooked for promotions. He condemned the action, saying it erodes the morale and trust of Somali National Army (SNA) troops.

The government has been parading military officials who purportedly 'defect' from Jubaland regional forces, in a strategy geared towards undermining the leadership of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, the regional leader of Jubaland.

Military teams have been gathering around Raskamboni and El-Wak towns in Jubaland, with Madobe and the team accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of plotting to overthrow him from power. However, Mogadishu maintains the soldiers are replacing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops leaving the country.

But Madobe maintains the soldiers have been making clandestine moves, to forcefully get into Kismayo, and trigger counter preparations from his team in readiness for a possible war within the state, a move that could further trigger a resurgence of Al-Shabaab.

While Madobe stuck with his move to hold indirect polls, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stood with his decision to support direct elections, which Madobe said would orchestrate term extensions for both federal and regional leaders.

Jubaland and Puntland had cut ties with the federal government, accusing Hassan Sheikh of imposing electoral changes without adequate consultations. But Hassan Sheikh maintains all stakes must adhere to the new constitutional provisions.

The federal government of Somalia alleged that Ethiopia is giving Jubaland military backup, a claim which Kismayo dismissed as 'fake news'. Somalia and Ethiopia are at loggerheads over the latter's quest to access the sea through Somaliland, a region within the jurisdiction of Somalia.

Analysts argue that the prolonged dispute between Mogadishu and Kismayo could affect ongoing operations against the Al-Shabaab group which had lost significant ground in central and southern regions.

GAROWE ONLINE