Distribution of Arms to Somalia Clan Militias is a Misguided Policy

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (Comment) — The Federal Government of Somalia had adopted a policy to arm clan militias in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle against Al-shabaab. This policy further deepens hostilities amongst subclans. Al-shabaab will exploit this policy because it already enjoys a degree of support amongs subclans threatened by more powerful and armed clan militias.

Al-Shabaab owes its longevity to policies that rebrand clan militias as Somali army units infiltrated easily by operatives from the terrorist group. Somalia does not have an inclusive national army. Mogadishu and Puntland disagree on the direction and make-up of the “Army”; South West State recently signed a security pact with Ethiopia.

The policy of the Somalia Federal Government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud inadvertently justifies and promotes strategies in which Somalia regions bordered with Ethiopia look after their interests by signing security cooperation with the neighbouring country. That President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud authorised Egypt to train Somali Army in the absence of a consensus on the national security architecture envisioned in London 5 years ago is alarming.

The National Security Advisor Hussein Moalim devised the policy to distribute arms to clan militias , oblivious to the consequences of civilians who broke into Mogadishu armouries after the fall of the military regime 31 years ago. Under the new dispensation in Mogadishu Somalia is gradually evolving into 1990s style warlord fiefdoms.

The Author of this article was a senior NISA officer between 2014-2018.

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