(12-10-23) MOGADISHU — On Thursday, news broke that Nageye Ali Khalif, a respected Somali poet and academic, had reportedly joined the extremist ranks of Al-Shabaab. This revelation, concerning a figure once at the helm of the journalism and communication department at the Somali National University in Mogadishu, has sent shockwaves across Somalia and beyond. But beyond the immediate shock value, it serves as a sobering reminder of the insidious allure of extremism, even among the educated elite.
Since his arrival in Mogadishu in 2016 from Hargeisa, Somaliland, Khalif’s charisma and enigmatic presence rapidly made him a mainstay within the city’s intellectual and political circles. A potent blend of poetic prowess and academic credentials gave him a platform to shape discourse, making his recent affiliations profoundly unsettling.
Further revelations about Khalif’s affiliations emerged from his book, where he chronicled his associations with key political figures, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former Prime minister Hassan Ali Khayre, Mukhtar Roobow, a former Al-Shabaab co-founder who transitioned to a political role as the Minister for Religious Affairs, former Villa Somalia chief of staff Abdinur Mohamed, speaker of the Upper House senator Abdi Hashi and his latest picture in the book is with Al-Shabaab’s former amir Ismail Nur Arale, late in August in Burco, among other notable political and social figures.
The depth of Khalif’s transformation becomes startlingly clear in “Dibad Wareeg” (Overseas Traveller) a 288-page memoir released this October. On the surface, this literary work appears to be an exploration of Somali history. But a deeper reading reveals its evolution into a contemplative journey, casting light on Khalif’s radicalisation and immersion into extremist ideologies. His portrayal of Ahmed Abdi Godane, a former Al-Shabaab leader, alongside figures like Sayyid Mohamed Abdulle Hassan, the “Mad Mullah”, underscores a bid to contextualise and perhaps legitimise extremist ideologies within historical narratives.
Khalif’s writings recount a pivotal visit to Jilib in 2021, the de facto capital of Al-Shabaab. Here, he embraced their militant ideology, undergoing training at a local shooting range. This shift in allegiance is encapsulated in a photograph he shared — a confident stance on Jilib bridge, symbolic of his newfound affiliation. He writes, “First of all, I was welcomed, at the highest level…We met some middle-ranking members of Al Shabaab. We talked about several issues that took up most of our time.”
In another unsettling passage, he describes a shooting exercise, stating, “This morning I was invited to do a sniping test in Jilib…It turns out that I am a good sniping man with a high level of intelligence…From that day on, my name was Qori Xarrago (elegant gun).”
“Dibad Wareeg” also delves into the poignant subject of migration. Khalif reflects on the choices many young Somalis face, proclaiming, “These days, many young people…have migrated from Hamar (Mogadishu), Hargeisa and other cities in the Horn of Africa…I, as a person, have chosen between emigrating to the United States and fighting against the United States. I chose to fight!”
The intricacies of Somalia’s political and ideological landscape are also dissected in his book. He asserts, “In Somalia as a whole, only two groups truly stand by their convictions. Those two groups are Somaliland and Al Shabaab.”
Abdullahi Abdi Sheikh, former Head of BBC Somali, weighed in on Khalif’s trajectory, reminiscing, “Khalif, with his undeniable talent, once approached the BBC for employment. Yet, his evident political inclinations, especially towards Somaliland, overshadowed his neutrality. The undercurrents of his convictions were always palpable, even then.”
While Khalif and “Dibad Wareeg” are at the discourse’s epicentre, the implications of his journey extend further. With figures like Colonel Abdisitar from NISA reportedly aligning with Al-Shabaab, concerns regarding the extremist group’s ideological reach within Somalia’s intellectual and political spheres are growing.
Al-Shabaab’s name often evokes images of armed insurgents in remote jungles, intent on global dominance. The group, infamous for its violent tactics and large-scale attacks, is often seen as a symbol of extremist aggression. However, their reach and influence are not limited to just militaristic endeavours. The ideology they propagate has found resonance with many, both within Somalia and globally.
As society processes the news about Khalif, it raises pressing questions about extremist ideologies’ allure, especially among the educated elite, and the implications for Somalia’s ongoing battle against terrorism.
