Mogadishu, Somalia — Nearly a year has passed since the Federal Government of Somalia stalled the widely acclaimed anti-Al-Shabaab military campaign, leaving many disheartened.
The initiative, which had initially raised hopes of sustained pressure on militants and the liberation of the country, now seems to be faltering.
The campaign, led by the Somali National Army and bolstered by the effective local forces known as Macawisley, initially saw swift and significant military gains.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, riding on the wave of these successes, had confidently promised that the country would be fully liberated within a year. This pledge, however, now appears increasingly elusive.
A visit to one of the frontline last week by President Mohamud underscored the gravity of the situation.
The areas once freed from militant control are gradually being recaptured by Al-Shabaab, reversing the hard-won progress that had kindled hope among the populace.
But government officials say the president’s visit, intended to boost morale, highlighted the struggle the government faces in maintaining control over these regions.
Ahmed, a local farmer in a previously liberated village, expressed his frustration: “We had hope when the soldiers came and drove Al-Shabaab out. But now, it’s like we are back to square one. We live in fear again.”
Many argue that President Mohamud has been using the campaign more as a political tool than a genuine effort to eradicate the militant threat.
They suggest that his frequent visits to the battlefield and public assurances serve to tap into and manipulate public sentiment, distracting from other pressing national issues.
“It feels like a diversion,” said Amina, a market vendor in Mogadishu.
“We are struggling with so many problems – from the economy to corruption. The government needs to focus on all of these, not just the war against Al-Shabaab.”
Despite the setbacks, there remains a glimmer of hope among some citizens and military officials.
Colonel Osman, a commander in the Somali army, believes that with renewed effort and international support, the tide can still be turned.
“We’ve made progress before, and we can do it again. But we need commitment and resources,” he asserted.
Ambiguity and Diversionary Tactics
Amidst the growing disillusionment, the Somali President also finds himself under scrutiny for his adeptness in employing ambiguity and diversionary tactics amidst crises.
Opposition leaders and critics allege that he strategically utilizes crises to suppress other controversies, notably employing the anti al-Shabab military campaign to divert attention from contentious political issues and navigate through the storms.
Mr. Mohamud has also been criticized for using these crises to overshadow and suppress other pressing issues.
The recent controversy surrounding the controversial constitutional amendments, spearheaded and approved by the parliament under the President’s advocacy, stands out as one glaring example giving credence to the accusations against him.
The move has drawn significant political pressure and public scrutiny.
However, in response to the backlash, the President has deftly diverted attention from the contentious issue by travelling to frontline and focusing on the anti al-Shabab military campaign.
Despite being aware of his deceptive political maneuvers, his opponents had to remain silent for a while due to the significant public support for the campaign, in order to avoid backlash — a vulnerability that has allowed the president to keep them in check for some time.
Observers note that the President’s skillful manipulation of public discourse has allowed him to maintain a semblance of control over the narrative, despite mounting criticism and deepening political crisis.
According Ahmed Mohamed, a political analyst, by leveraging external crises, such as the fight against al-Shabab, the President has effectively shifted attention away from internal controversies and maintained a grip on power.
Critics contend that the President’s emphasis on the military campaign against al-Shabab serves as a strategic ploy to divert public attention away from domestic challenges while also consolidating power amid growing dissent.
The stalled battle against the extremist group has consistently captured headlines, overshadowing critical domestic concerns and fueling skepticism among observers.
However, the controversy surrounding his domestic and foreign affairs has further fueled discontent within the country.
Furthermore, some of the country’s leading opposition leaders view some of his power plays, mainly the controversial constitutional amendments as a thinly veiled attempt to centralize power and undermine democratic principles, exacerbating political tensions and amplifying calls for accountability.
Meanwhile, opposition pressure continues to mount, with demands for meaningful dialogue and respect for democratic norms becoming increasingly vocal.
In the meantime, the President’s perceived prioritization of the military campaign over addressing pressing domestic issues has only intensified scrutiny and fueled accusations of authoritarian tendencies.
While the fight against extremism remains a critical priority for Somalia’s stability and security, questions linger regarding the President’s motives and priorities in the face of pressing political issues.
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