Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Mohamed Abdi Ware, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and former 2nd President of HirShabelle State of Somalia (2017-2020), raised serious concerns on July 7, 2025, about the political distractions hindering Somalia's ability to effectively combat the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, particularly following the group’s recent takeover of Moqokori, a key region in Hiiraan.
In a statement shared on X (Twitter), Ware highlighted Al-Shabaab’s strategic capture of Moqokori, an area that had long been a stronghold for the Ma’awisley — a community-led militia that had been central to the grassroots resistance against the terror group across central Somalia.
“It is clear to ourselves, to our partners, and indeed to Shabaab itself, that eliminating this terror group is no longer our number ONE priority!” Ware said, expressing frustration over the country’s political fragmentation.
Ware criticized the ongoing internal political disputes, which he argued had diverted focus from national security efforts and allowed Al-Shabaab to regain traction. He noted the significant concentration of forces in Moqokori, with fighters from regions as distant as Jubaland and Southwest State joining the offensive.
Ware’s statement underscored the strategic shift in Al-Shabaab’s operations and the growing political fragmentation within Somalia, which he believes is preventing the country from effectively addressing the terrorism threat.
“We can defeat the Shabaab, if we stop the political distractions, the manufacturing of petty issues and artificial crises, and find a common purpose,” Ware emphasized. “Anything less is just the proverbial Somali merry-go-round—‘Ila Meereeyso’.”
Despite the concerns, Ware expressed his belief that Somalia still has the capacity to defeat Al-Shabaab, but stressed that success will require unity and a focused commitment to national security from both the political leadership and international partners.
Ware’s remarks highlight the urgent need for political cohesion within Somalia and call for a renewed focus on counterterrorism efforts in the region.
