Mogadishu – Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Fiqi launched a scathing attack on opposition figures during a press conference in Mogadishu, accusing them of acting as “terrorist sympathizers” and warning them to “refrain from words that boost militants’ morale.”
Fiqi’s remarks come amid what he described as significant progress against the militant group Al-Shabaab in the Hiiraan region.
“Al-Shabaab militants are retreating from several areas,” he asserted, attributing the developments to coordinated operations by local forces. “They have dealt the group a major blow.”
Without naming specific individuals, Fiqi criticized certain political opponents for rhetoric he claimed undermines the morale of security forces and emboldens terrorists. “These are critical times for national unity,” he said. “Those who claim to support the Somali people must not act as echo chambers for enemies of peace.”
The defense minister’s statement follows a series of recent offensives in central Somalia, where local militias aligned with government forces have been engaging in sustained operations against Al-Shabaab strongholds.
While the government touts battlefield gains, critics argue that the administration has struggled to maintain control of recaptured areas and prevent the group’s resurgence. Fiqi, however, insisted that the tide is turning: “What we are seeing in Hiiraan is a testament to the resilience of Somali communities and the commitment of our national army.”
Analysts say the minister’s strong language may signal rising political tensions ahead of upcoming electoral processes and efforts to stabilize newly liberated territories.
The Somali government has not yet released independent casualty figures or territorial maps to confirm the extent of Al-Shabaab’s retreat. Nonetheless, Fiqi vowed continued pressure on the group until it is “defeated in every corner of Somalia.”