A former National Security Advisor to ex-President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has made a striking statement regarding the ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, which the maritime agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia has intensified.
Abdisaid Muse Ali, who also served as Foreign Minister under Farmaajo, suggested that if President Hassan Sheikh’s government cannot counter the dubious ambitions of Abiy Ahmed, they should allow Al-Shabaab to take control.
“Abiy Ahmed is a rigid and extremist man who knows no shame. If you cannot counter him, then let those who can do so. This issue strengthens and motivates the group because the group believes that neighbouring countries and mercenary men invaded Somalia. Therefore, if you are the government, you must show that the country is yours and represent and protect anyone who wants to attack. Abiy Ahmed’s ambitions have financially and recruitment-wise revived Al-Shabaab,” said Abdisaid Muse Ali.
He argued that Somalia’s statehood has been significantly harmed by its weak responses to aggressive statements from Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
“Whenever the Ethiopian Prime Minister speaks, there is no one to respond, or the response from the government leaders is weak and unworthy of countering Abiy Ahmed’s dubious ambitions. Despite this, the Federal Government entered a defense agreement with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. It is inappropriate to make deals with a man who is antagonistic towards you,” added Abdisaid Muse Ali.
He refrained from explicitly recognizing Al-Shabaab as a terrorist group.
“It makes no difference whether I recognize them as terrorists or not. However, these people constantly claim that neighbouring countries and mercenaries occupy the country. The so-called ‘terrorism’ project has ended,” said Abdisaid Muse Ali.
His comments have sparked significant reactions on social media. It is worth noting that Farmaajo’s administration has been accused of not engaging in substantial battles against Al-Shabaab during its tenure.
