As Al-Shabab Gains Ground, Critics Say Somalia's President Is Losing Grip on Security

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud first portrayed himself as a reformist and Al-Shabaab exterminator but along the way, these credentials have quickly eroded, exposing him to criticism from the opposition, which accuses him of maladministration.

Under his watch, the country is facing unprecedented constitutional changes, which critics insist are avenues to extend term limits, given that the country does not have the capacity to coordinate national direct elections due to weak institutions.

But most criticism towards him is anchored on the fact that Al-Shabaab fighters are gaining ground under his watch — the group has taken over strategic towns of Moqokori, Adan Yabaal and Mahas, posing a potential threat to the administration in Mogadishu.

However, the president maintains he is the ultimate 'liberator' while taking credit for the operations against Al-Shabaab, which at first made significant gains. He claims to have survived Al-Shabaab attacks on multiple occasions.

While it is difficult to verify these claims, Thursday's assassination of Abukar Sadiq could give him a lifeline. Abukar is said to have been a senior National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) official investigating the alleged attempts to assassinate President Hassan Sheikh.

The sleuth, aged 31at the time of his death, was the lead investigator of the incident and was killed on Thursday within the Sigale neighbourhood where officers were planning to arrest an al-Shabaab suspect.

According to security sources, the suspect managed to flee the scene, after which gunfire broke out. Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, but Sadiq was fatally wounded, leading to his death.

Intelligence reports indicate that Sadiq was meant to hand over the investigation report on the suspected assassination attempt of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud by Al-Shabaab militants in March 2025. The roadside bombing targeted the presidential motorcade on the road linking the presidential palace and Mogadishu airport.

His killing has raised questions about possible infiltration of the al-Shabaab in critical security agencies — the group is known for planting spies in several agencies and even in the army to destabilise operations targeting them on the frontlines.

NISA has detained several officers who were with him during the operation. Sources within the intelligence community suggest growing suspicion that Sadiq may have been deliberately targeted by colleagues due to the sensitive nature of the information he had uncovered.

In 2021, Ikran Tahlil, a young female intelligence officer, went missing near NISA headquarters. Her fate remains unknown, and no formal investigation has been conducted into her disappearance.

The presidency has not given any report about Sadiq's death, but President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has often claimed his life is in danger, attributing his misfortunes to the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

However, critics accuse him of internal sabotage, including his inability to coordinate consistent operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions. Instead, they insist he is polarising the country through endless political wrangles.

GAROWE ONLINE