In an unexpected twist of events that raises the specter of civil war in Somalia, as reported by journalist Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, “On Thursday 12 September, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a private meeting with a select group of media directors in Villa Somalia.” While it is common for presidents to meet the free media, this time Mr. Mumin reports it was different, as he only met certain media directors “selected on clan basis,” a move Mr. Mumin said is “raising concerns about press freedom and transparency.”
In this exceptional meeting at Villa Somalia, Somalia’s State House, Abdalle Mumin reports the president was in total war footing, in civil war footing more precisely, as he istructed the media bosses from his clan that his government is facing “a war.” Mumin continues, the president repeatedly instructed his guests that the situation is severe and they should all know that “We are in a war.”
With this week’s failed meeting of his Prime Minister Hamza Abdibarre with President Laftagareen of South West State of Somalia in mind, Mumin reports that President Hassan Sheikh was so angry he made “derogatory remarks about the people of Bakool, Hiiraan, Gedo, and Somaliland, further escalating tensions in already sensitive regions.” Continuing his anger and seeking the clans help, the president then urged them “to actively support his government’s propaganda campaign against … the enemies of his administration.”
#EXCLUSIVE: On Thursday 12 September, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a private meeting with a select group of media directors in @TheVillaSomalia. The directors were selected on clan basis, a move raising concerns about press freedom and transparency. 1/1 pic.twitter.com/OSI2mCNYhM
— Abdalle Ahmed Mumin (@Cabdalleaxmed) September 15, 2024
As Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia eyes to annex the Somali coast of Saylac, a weakened President Hassan Sheikh has become politically vulnerable and with no political capital remaining, he feels more isolated than ever, and under attack and unwanted by any of Somalia’s Federal Member States. Puntland has already withdrawn recognition from the Federal Government. South West State has set red lines that President Hassan Sheikh shouldn’t cross. Hirshabelle is already allied with his archenemy, the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Galmudug leader Qoorqoor no longer trusts Hassan Sheikh and believes President Hassan Sheikh wants to oust him and is now allied with President Deni of Puntland. Ahmed Madoobe remains quite and wants Hassan Sheikh to hang himself. And finally, President Hassan Sheikh is very disappointed that his ally Muse Bihi has betrayed him and left him out to dry.
With no friends left and no allies on the horizon, all signs point out to a President Hassan Sheikh who is ready to lash out at any minute, but how and against whom remains murky.
Contributed to by Daljir staff in Garoowe and Nairobi
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