Somalia: Concerns Rise Over Somali Ports Minister’s Social Media Posts Seen as Fueling Civil War 

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Concerns are mounting over a series of social media posts by Somalia’s ports and maritime transport minister, Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur, which critics say could inflame political tensions and risk civil conflict in the Southwest state.

In recent days, the minister has posted updates on Facebook about movements of national army troops, including statements indicating when forces would enter Baidoa and claims that certain locations had been secured. The posts have drawn scrutiny because Nur does not hold a defense or military command role but instead oversees the country’s ports.

The Turkey-educated minister is widely believed by observers to be backed by Villa Somalia for a potential bid for the Southwest presidency, further intensifying political sensitivities surrounding his remarks.

Political analysts described the posts as provocative, arguing they could intimidate the current Southwest leadership and residents while appearing to use the national army for political messaging rather than security operations.

“It is not acceptable for the ports minister to act as a spokesperson for troop movements, particularly while pursuing a political office,” said one security analyst who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. “This risks undermining the neutrality of the national armed forces.”

The controversy comes amid a broader standoff between the federal government and Southwest regional authorities over the electoral process. The dispute has led to increasingly heated rhetoric, raising fears of potential armed confrontation if a political solution is not reached.

Officials at Villa Somalia have not publicly commented on the minister’s posts. Residents in Baidoa and surrounding areas have expressed concern that their city could become a flashpoint if tensions continue to escalate.

GAROWE ONLINE