(18-07-23) MOGADISHU – Somali Military Court in Baidoa, South West State, initiated proceedings against 14 individuals on Monday, accused of an array of crimes, including collaboration with the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
The prosecutor of the 60th Division of the Armed Forces Court, Major Mohamud Mohamed Idow, listed the accusations against the defendants in a formal indictment. Major Idow appealed for the application of Islamic law to the proceedings, given the severity of the charges. Some of the accused have already admitted guilt to their charges.
Among the accused are three soldiers, hauled before the court on charges of fraternising with Al-Shabaab, and of neglecting their duty to protect the nation by abandoning their entrusted weapons.
The case is being presided over by Lieutenant Colonel Aden Abukar Mohamed, the chairman of the 60th Division of the armed forces court. He adjourned the case, noting that a verdict on the multiple charges levelled against the 14 defendants would be forthcoming.
The commencement of this case brings into sharp focus the ongoing security challenges faced by Somalia as it continues to grapple with the destabilising presence of Al-Shabaab within its borders.
The Baidoa-based court’s decision is eagerly anticipated, as it is likely to send a strong message to other potential collaborators of the terrorist group.
