Somalia’s military, once trained and funded by the U.S., has recently shifted focus to targeting civilians and civil servants, which officials claim is causing a constitutional crisis.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appears to be leading an effort to unconstitutionally alter the country’s voting system, with reported intentions to extend his term by another year, as indicated by leaders from Somalia’s southwestern region. These officials suggested that not only elite troops trained in America but also U.S. taxpayer dollars may be used to placate terrorists and facilitate troop movements.
Abdiaziz Rakhtagareen, president of the Southwest Region, expressed concerns that Sheikh aims to maintain power indefinitely. He claimed that Sheikh wants to control election processes, including the voting software. “He’s imposing a self-designed election and a constitution that was approved without proper consensus,” Rakhtagareen stated.
The Southwest province has refused to accept these unilateral conditions, resulting in actions by the Somali National Army (SNA) to take over the area. Rakhtagareen mentioned similar rejections from Puntland and Jubaland states.
In a public statement, MP Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib described the ongoing situation in Baidabo as an unmistakable uprising against political injustice and interference.
Ali Fakih, speaker of the Southwest regional parliament, reported that around 500 federal troops have been sent to Barawe, now under their control, although the situation has resulted in minimal damage or casualties. He noted, however, that the unrest is worsening, exacerbated by severe drought and other local challenges.
To secure his supposed expansion of powers, President Sheikh is reportedly seeking to deploy around 1,000 SNA troops, many of whom have received international training and equipment, including from the U.S.
The SNA units include members of the Danab Brigades, specifically trained by the U.S. for combat against al-Shabab, as officials indicated.
The U.S. Embassy in Somalia had previously announced plans to construct multiple military bases for the Danab Brigade, a significant investment following earlier efforts to recruit and train Somali forces.
Reports suggest that Danab forces, equipped with support from Turkey and Egypt, are preparing to confront Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Rakhtagareen, a move that could escalate tensions further.
As the U.S. has officially stated it will halt funding to the Danab Brigades due to corruption concerns, the Somali Finance Minister noted that U.S. aid accounts for approximately $1.5 billion annually, significantly influencing the military’s capabilities. Nonetheless, a U.S. military course is scheduled to take place later this year for Danab personnel.
Fakih shared imagery suggesting Danab members are advancing towards Baidoa. Meanwhile, Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib cited photos of Danab forces preparing for further conflict, indicating a mobilization in response to the ongoing tensions.
Concerns are mounting that Sheikh’s alleged use of trained forces against his own citizens, rather than focusing on terrorist threats, is undermining stability. Rakhtagareen has claimed that Sheikh has been paying al-Shabab to maintain peace, a tactic supported by local testimonies. An accusation arose that Sheikh’s administration paid al-Shabab $300,000 monthly to avoid confrontations in Mogadishu and that recent payments may have been facilitated using U.S. funds.
A spokesperson from the State Department acknowledged the bribery allegations, asserting a commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misuse of U.S. resources.
Deputy Minister Sadat Nur Aliyou reinforced Rakhtagareen’s insistence that no one can override agreed political paths. He stated intentions to act decisively in securing territory, causing growing alarm regarding potential civilian violence and mass displacement.
Rakhtagareen has been accused of diverting attention from his own political maneuverings by framing the situation as a national crisis, as noted by security analysts. The State Department commented that it’s crucial for Somalis to determine their electoral processes while emphasizing the importance of reconciliation in combating extremist groups.
While the Pentagon declined to comment on ongoing operations, they reaffirmed collaboration with Somalia on shared security goals, including actions against al-Shabaab and ISIS to protect both U.S. interests and local stability.
Neither Somalia’s presidency nor its embassy responded to requests for commentary on these unfolding events.
