Following a series of setbacks for the Somali army at the hands of al-Shabaab, resulting in the loss of several strategic towns, the US Embassy issued a warning that Aden Adde International Airport was at risk of an imminent attack by al-Shabaab. Consequently, the embassy announced that it would no longer use the airport until further notice. In response, major international carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Egypt Air, promptly canceled all flights to Mogadishu.
As cancellations mounted and villages continued to fall to al-Shabaab, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a move reminiscent of Ashraf Ghani’s actions as Kabul was about to fall to the Taliban, hurried to Villa Somalia Mosque for Friday prayers and delivered the main sermon. During his sermon, the president criticized the US Embassy and others for spreading false information, asserting that the Somali army had not lost a single village and was successfully holding al-Shabaab at bay.
Federal Government of Somalia MP Abdullahi Abib, however, was not convinced and accused the president of lying. MP Abib wrote, “It is deeply disappointing and profoundly concerning that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud used the sacred pulpit of a mosque during the holy month of Ramadan to spread falsehoods, accusing U.S. President Donald J. Trump of propaganda. Instead of addressing Somalia’s deteriorating security, President Mohamud attacks those who speak the truth – while our nation faces real, undeniable threats.”
FGS MP @MPDrAbib Tells President @HassanSMohamud, “Leadership Requires Truth, Not Deception” and Calls for Accountability in Somalia https://t.co/vZ7WM5fCEU
— Daljir Media (@radiodaljir) March 8, 2025
The MP continued, “The reality is clear: Mogadishu is in crisis. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Egypt Air have canceled flights due to imminent danger. The fall of the ex-ATMIS base at Balcad – once a stronghold of security – led to the deaths of many brave Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers. Rather than confronting these failures with honesty and accountability, President Mohamud chooses denial, deflection, and deception.”
MP Abib continued to remind the president that “Falsehood inside a mosque, especially during Ramadan, is not just political deception – it is a grave spiritual transgression.”
He then concluded, “Somalia deserves truth, integrity, and leadership driven by action – not hollow speeches and deceit. Mr. President, history will not be kind to those who betray their people. Apologize to the Somali people, our fallen heroes, and President Donald J. Trump – who has stood for Somalia’s security with real commitment while you spread falsehoods to protect your failures.”
> Daljir Media
COMMENTS