(02-09-23) MOGADISHU — The Al-Shabaab attack on Cowswayne in the Galgaduud region has ignited outrage among both lawmakers and the public, casting doubt over the Somali government’s dedication to the safety of its troops.
The assault led to significant losses within the army. MP Mohamud Abdikadir Haji Jeego, who spoke to the media on Saturday, announced that the Parliament intends to interrogate Minister of Defence Abduqadir Mohamed Nur and Commander of the Somali National Army, General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin Adow.
“This Parliament works on politics and legislation. The Ministry of Defence and the Commander of the Armed Forces will be questioned about what happened in Cowswayne,” declared MP Mohamud Jeego, a prominent member of the Somali People’s Assembly.
MP Jeego was keen to emphasise that, while the war’s very nature results in casualties, it should not serve to dishearten the nation’s military forces. “When an operation takes place, there are deaths and injuries, but do not be discouraged; the enemy is also suffering losses,” he continued.
Jeego elaborated that the current military efforts are weakening Al-Shabaab’s stronghold. “The extremist group’s defences have been broken, and many areas have been liberated. What remains will soon be vacated,” he assured.
Last week, Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed urged an independent inquiry into the Cowswayne incident, specifically recommending the Federal Parliament’s Defence Committee to lead the investigation.
This development follows President Hassan Sheikh’s candid acknowledgment on Friday that Cowswayne was the only locale where government forces met defeat. This admission has only intensified the criticisms directed at the government, particularly over its seeming neglect of soldiers who fell in Cowswayne.
Halqabsi News
