Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s volatile political landscape has been further unsettled by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent military restructuring efforts, which have ignited a heated debate over their implications for the national security and ongoing state-rebuilding process.
At the heart of the controversy is the introduction of new security forces, referred by some as a private army by Mohamud, a move that critics argue could signal an attempt to consolidate power within the executive branch.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has been particularly vocal, warning the restructuring as a potentially dangerous centralization of authority rather than a genuine response to security needs.
Somalia’s security infrastructure traditionally involves a careful balance among four principal entities: the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), the police, the armed forces, and the Custodial Corps.
According to security experts, this old system has been designed to distribute responsibilities and prevent any single entity from becoming too dominant.
However, the introduction of additional security units under Mohamud’s administration is seen by some as a challenge to this balance, raising concerns about the potential erosion of the autonomy of established institutions.
It also raised questions about their role and impact on the existing structure.
Supporters of Mohamud’s restructuring argue that the changes are necessary to address the inefficiencies and corruption that have long plagued Somalia’s security apparatus.
They contend that a more streamlined and integrated security force is crucial for improving operational effectiveness and responding more adeptly to the country’s persistent instability.
On the other hand, critics like the former Somali president Ahmed suggest that the restructuring might be less about reforming a dysfunctional system and more about enhancing presidential control over security matters.
By creating new security entities, analysts believe Mohamud could be positioning himself to wield greater influence over national security, which could undermine democratic oversight and further entrench divisions within the government.
But, the broader implications of this debate are significant.
Dr. Mohamed Abdi, a Somali security analyst, believes that the creation of additional security forces can be a double-edged sword.
“While establishing new forces can sometimes address specific security needs or gaps, it can also fragment command and control, leading to potential conflicts and inefficiencies,” he notes.
His perspective echoes other experts views emphasizing the need for clear objectives and integration plans to avoid the pitfalls of militarized fragmentation.
‘PRIVATE ARMY’
Amidst the growing controversy over the army shake-up, the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has voiced strong opposition to these changes and raised alarms over secret plans to create a ‘private army’.
Speaking to the reporters in Mogadishu on Saturday, Ahmed criticized the incumbent president’s approach, suggesting that it mirrors past practices where military generals attempted to maintain tight control over the army to secure their rule.
“The reality is that only justice prevails. No particular group or person can achieve anything through these other sinister plans such as creating and arming private armies,” Ahmed argued.
Meanwhile, the skepticism surrounding Mohamud’s reforms is not without precedent.
Somalia’s history includes periods where concentrated military power led to prolonged instability.
The concern now is that by selectively recruiting security personnel and centralizing weaponry, President Mohamud might be replicating past mistakes under the guise of reform.
This has drawn the attention of many, including opposition leaders, who urge the federal government to avoid the pitfalls of previous militarized fragmentation.
Dahir Yusuf, a political scientist specializing in East African geopolitics, suggests that Mohamud’s actions could have multiple motivations.
“The introduction of new forces might be aimed at addressing specific security threats or consolidating political support. However, the lack of transparency and the focus on selective recruitment raise legitimate concerns about the long-term impact on national stability.”
“The manner in which these units are being managed also have the characteristics of a private army.”
The establishment of new security forces by President Mohamud could be a strategic maneuver intended to bolster security in the face of ongoing threats.
However, the lack of clarity about their roles and the selective nature of recruitment have fueled fears of potential abuse and power consolidation and suspicions of a secret private army.
According to security experts, If the new forces are not well-integrated with existing institutions, they could exacerbate existing fractures within the security apparatus, undermining overall national stability.
They also note that Somalia’s past experiences with militarized rule highlight the importance of equitable and just approaches to security sector reform, emphasizing the need for reforms that prioritize national cohesion over factional interests.
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