Major Arab Dheeg Ahmed, the commander of the elite Danab forces in Jubaland, has been fired by the head of the Somali National Army (SNA), General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh. This move comes just two days after Major Ahmed released a video statement criticizing the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) politicization of the armed forces, its controversial deployment in Ras Kamboni, and its promotion of defected forces from Jubaland at the expense of the Danab units that have been at the forefront of the fight against Al-Shabab for years.
By prioritizing political loyalty over professional competence, and by diverting resources and attention away from the fight against Al-Shabab, the government is not only undermining the effectiveness and morale of its security forces but also creating a dangerous power vacuum that extremist groups are all too eager to exploit.
A Stand Against Politicization
In his remarks, the commander highlighted a range of issues that have plagued the Danab forces in Jubaland, from the lack of promotions and recognition for their sacrifices to the diversion of resources and attention towards politically motivated deployments in Ras Kamboni.
By prioritizing loyalty over competence, and by using the security forces as a tool to advance narrow political interests, the government is eroding the professionalism and effectiveness of its armed forces and undermining their ability to respond to the complex security challenges facing Somalia.
Major Ahmed’s statement also sheds light on the growing frustration and demoralization among the Danab forces in Jubaland, who have been at the forefront of the fight against Al-Shabab for years, often with little recognition from the central government. The lack of promotions and the diversion of resources towards politically motivated deployments have left many of these highly trained and experienced soldiers feeling neglected and undervalued, with potentially serious consequences for their morale and operational readiness.
The Ras Kamboni Deployment
The FGS’s deployment of troops to Ras Kamboni, which Major Ahmed highlighted in his video statement, is a prime example of the government’s misguided and dangerous approach to security sector management. Located far from the front lines of the fight against Al-Shabab, and with little strategic value in terms of counter-terrorism operations, the deployment appears to be motivated primarily by political considerations, including the desire to undermine the authority of the Jubaland administration and its security forces.
The decision to send troops to Ras Kamboni has not only diverted valuable resources and manpower away from the fight against Al-Shabab but has also created new tensions and fault lines within the security forces themselves. By promoting and rewarding soldiers who have defected from the Jubaland administration, while neglecting and sidelining those who have remained loyal to their chain of command, the FGS is sowing the seeds of division and mistrust within its own ranks.
This politicization of the security forces is a dangerous gambit that risks undermining the cohesion and effectiveness of the SNA and other key security institutions. By prioritizing loyalty over competence, and by using the security forces as a tool to advance narrow political interests, the government is eroding the very foundations of Somalia’s security architecture and creating new opportunities for extremist groups to exploit.
Neglecting the Fight Against Al-Shabab
As one of the most effective and experienced units in the fight against Al-Shabab, the Danab forces in Jubaland have played a critical role in degrading the group’s capabilities and preventing it from establishing a stronger foothold in the region. The decision to sideline these forces and divert resources away from counter-terrorism operations is not only short-sighted but also deeply irresponsible, as it risks allowing Al-Shabab to regroup and expand its influence in the region.
The consequences of neglecting the fight against Al-Shabab are already becoming apparent, as the group has stepped up its attacks in recent weeks, targeting both security forces and civilian targets with impunity. The release of a sophisticated new propaganda video by the group, showcasing its military training and capabilities, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabab, and the urgent need for a sustained and coordinated response.
The FGS’s politicization of the security forces, and its neglect of the fight against Al-Shabab, is not only a betrayal of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Danab forces and other key security institutions but also a dangerous gamble with the future of Somalia itself. By prioritizing narrow political interests over the urgent need to confront the scourge of terrorism, the government is putting the lives of countless Somalis at risk and threatening to undo the hard-won gains of the past decade.
