Mogadishu, Somalia — Tensions ran high in Mogadishu today as Somali soldier Abdikar Haji, known by the nickname Ilka’ase, appeared before a military court, accused of fatally shooting fellow serviceman Ismail Hassan in a shocking incident that has rocked the armed forces.
The tragic event occurred on February 17 inside a military base in the capital, where Haji allegedly executed his comrade with a single gunshot to the head. The cause? A dispute over a cigarette. According to investigators, Hassan reportedly refused to share a smoke with Haji, leading to the deadly confrontation.
In court, Haji confessed to shooting Hassan but insisted the killing was not intentional. “It was an accident,” he told the presiding military judge, sparking visible emotion among the families present.
The military prosecutor, however, painted a far grimmer picture, arguing that the deliberate headshot and the lack of any immediate attempt to seek help pointed to a clear case of premeditated murder.
The case has ignited debate over discipline and mental health within the Somali armed forces, where soldiers often operate under intense stress in a volatile security environment. Human rights advocates and military officials alike have called for deeper reforms to address internal conflict resolution and soldier welfare.
The court is expected to deliver a verdict in the coming days. If convicted of intentional murder, Haji could face the death penalty or life imprisonment under Somalia’s military justice system.