Let’s face it, leading Somalia is no walk in the park. Yet, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has proven time and again that he’s the one who can drive the country toward a brighter future. Despite all the noise, he has managed to push the country forward in ways many thought were impossible. Yet, somehow, his critics seem to think their job is to stand in the way of progress, finding fault in every move the president makes.
Take the Jubaland crisis, for example. The government deployed troops to secure a base vacated by departing ATMIS forces, standard procedure, right? Well, not according to Ahmed Madobe, who quickly turned it into a political drama, accusing the government of trying to remove him from power. In the blink of an eye, what was meant to be a security operation became a full-blown confrontation, with Ahmed Madobe going so far as to partner with Kenya and, quite shockingly, Al-Shabaab. Yes, you heard that right, the same Ahmed Madobe who was once Al-Shabaab’s deputy leader.
Ahmed Madobe used territory controlled by Al-Shabaab to launch an offensive against the Somali National Army. So, while some are quick to blame the government, it’s worth asking, who’s really playing with fire here? Ahmed Madobe, it seems, is more than willing to jeopardise national security to protect his political interests. But that’s a reality the opposition is keen to ignore.
The favourite hobby of the opposition seems to be criticising the president’s efforts to bring real democracy to Somalia. The push for a one-person-one-vote system is nothing short of revolutionary, and it’s shocking to see how far the opposition is willing to go to stop it. They call it “unilateral” and “unrealistic,” but all it really is is a call for democracy. A real democracy, not the outdated system of indirect elections that has kept so many Somali citizens on the sidelines for years.
The critics also like to throw their weight around when it comes to government property. They accuse the president of favouring his allies and businessmen, but let’s set the record straight. The president’s strategy involves utilising government land for large-scale economic projects that will benefit the country as a whole. Projects like the Gateway by Premier Bank and the New Mogadishu economic zone are not about rewarding friends, they’re about creating infrastructure that will drive Somalia’s economy forward. But of course, it’s easier to point fingers than to see the bigger picture.
In case you missed it, though, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud isn’t just sitting back and taking all of this criticism lying down. While they keep whining, the president is busy making real changes. Under his leadership, Somalia has reclaimed vast territories from Al-Shabaab in Hirshabelle and Galmudug. These areas were once strongholds of terror, but thanks to the president’s commitment to security, they’re no longer safe havens for extremists. And let’s not forget about Mogadishu, a city that was once a bloodbath but is now far more secure, with terror attacks nearly nonexistent. The president has done what many thought was impossible, but of course, you won’t hear the opposition give him any credit for it.
When it comes to foreign relations, President Hassan Sheikh has turned things around. Unlike his predecessor, he’s repaired relationships with key international partners and brought Somalia into the East African Community. That’s a huge win for the country, giving us the chance to engage in regional economic cooperation. The lifting of the arms embargo? Another significant victory that strengthens Somalia’s sovereignty. And the debt relief? It’s a game-changer, giving the government the breathing room to focus on development.
The opposition can keep their complaints coming, but it’s clear that President Hassan Sheekh is committed to progress. His achievements speak for themselves, and his leadership is laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
At the end of the day, the choice is simple, stagnation or change. And President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has already made his choice. For those who want to see Somalia thrive, it’s clear who’s truly moving the country forward.
Abdullahi H. Samoow is a commentator on political and social affairs in Somalia. He can be reached at: Abdullahisamoow@gmail.com
