(01-06-23) MOGADISHU — The former Deputy of Politics and Security of Banadir Regional Administration, Ali Abdi Wardhere, publicly known as Ali Yare, has levelled serious accusations against the Somali government. He alleges that they have struck a financial agreement with factions of the extremist group Al-Shabaab. These claims arose following Al-Shabaab’s recent assault on the Masagaway Military Camp, further destabilising Somalia’s already fragile security situation.
In a startling revelation made on his Facebook page on Thursday, Ali Yare claimed, “Parts of Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu have reached an agreement with the government and are on its monthly payroll.” This allegation comes at a time when the government’s management of the extremist threat is facing increasing scrutiny.
Ali Yare questioned the strategic wisdom of these agreements, arguing that they seem to be emboldening Al-Shabaab rather than curbing its activities. “The funds channelled towards Al-Shabaab could be better utilized for nation-building,” he asserted.
The aftermath of the Masagaway attack, particularly the pictures posted by Al-Shabaab exhibiting their looted stash of military vehicles, weapons, and ammunition, has amplified concerns over the group’s expanding arsenal. Ali Yare asserted that these financial arrangements with Al-Shabaab are indirectly enhancing their capacity to wreak havoc. He voiced his deep concern, stating, “The volume of weaponry seized by the enemy from just one camp is alarming. How does this tally against the haul from 11 other military camps? And how many of our valiant soldiers have we lost to the enemy?”
The Somali business community has consistently been advised against funding Al-Shabaab. Ali Yare pinpointed the inconsistency in this stance, asking, “How can we convince the business community to refrain from succumbing to Al-Shabaab’s extortion tactics when the government itself appears to be financially appeasing them?”
Yare drew a parallel between the government’s dealings with Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu and the relative peace in the capital. “The agreement between the Mogadishu government and Al-Shabaab should be echoed in the military camps,” Ali Yare proposed.
His statement concluded on a sober note: “This unsettling reality necessitates a tough decision.” As Al-Shabaab continues its ruthless campaign, all eyes are on the Somali government’s next move in response to this escalating threat and Yare’s thought-provoking allegations.
