One of Somalia’s most famous opposition leaders – Abdirahman Abdishakur Warssame – warned supporters of President Farmajo who have been hailing the Ahlu Sunnah group’s defeat by the government. He told them that they are likely to suffer a similar experience in the future.
Warsame said, “We told Ahlu Sunnah that it was wrong to break its promises to President Haaf, especially after signing a secret agreement with the federal government. Undoubtedly, Ahlu Sunna played a major role in restoring peace in the region. However, it could not translate its success to create a wholly developed region that operates under a fully functional government.”
“Nabad iyo Nolol is not interested in creating a government, bringing development, reconciling people, or liberating the region,” he further warned. “Instead, it only aspires to win the 2021 elections,” Warsamme concluded.
The leader of the Wadajir Party cited the government’s habit of violating its promise and reneging on the agreement as a ticking time bomb.
“If you are happy about Ahlu Sunnah’s defeat, you should ensure that the following happens. One, you continue hearing about NN once they elect their president. Two, all roadblocks disappear. Three, Al-Shabaab’s control of the region should end. Four, stopping wanton killings. Trade should proceed unhindered, and high taxes must end. All insecurity must be dealt with. The government fulfills its promises to those supporting it in fighting Ahlu Sunnah,” added Warsame.
Warsame also said that the government continues losing the trust of the country’s politicians as well as several regional state governments. That is because it continues to break promises and violate the agreements it signed with groups all over the country.
Warsame admits that Ahlu Sunnah has many flaws. However, he recognizes that the areas they control are entirely peaceful. He also appreciates the fact that they defeated Al-Shabaab.
He added that it is now upon everyone who works with the government to prevent Al-Shabaab from returning to the region.
Federal government forces now control several Galmudug State towns following intense clashes with Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, which is a moderate Islamist group.
Previously, the government signed an agreement with Ahlu Sunnah, which placed the group in a position to win 35 seats in the soon-to-be Galmudug State Parliament.
As it is, the federal government is at blame for reneging on the deal.
