MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s government has begun forcibly disarming former army commanders suspected of aligning with opposition figures, amid growing political tensions and concerns over security in the capital Mogadishu.
Security forces on Wednesday raided the residence of Hassan Jami’i, a former military commander in the Lower Shabelle region, confiscating an armoured personnel carrier and additional weaponry. The operation was conducted without violence, according to officials.
The raid follows a similar incident last week involving Colonel Ali Hubey, another former commander, who was staying at a hotel in Mogadishu when troops deployed unexpectedly and seized a military vehicle used by his bodyguards. Colonel Hubey is a relative of opposition figure and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and is believed to be closely aligned with him.
These actions come after the army chief, General Odowa Yusuf Rageh, announced that all unauthorised armed vehicles painted with military colours and insignia would be banned from the streets of Mogadishu. The government says the new measures are part of a broader effort to curb the unregulated use of military assets amid security threats from militants.
Earlier this month, Al-Shabaab militants infiltrated Mogadishu using a pickup vehicle marked with the Somali intelligence agency’s colours and insignia. The group launched a deadly assault on the second-largest compound of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), which houses an underground prison. The ensuing siege of the NISA headquarters lasted more than 10 hours, during which a deadly battle raged between the attackers and government forces.
Authorities say the new security protocols aim to prevent such attacks from recurring by tightening control over military vehicles and weapons in civilian areas. They argue that the presence of unofficial armed escorts increases the risk of infiltration and confusion during emergencies.
Opposition leaders have opposed the measures, accusing the government of using security concerns to weaken political rivals ahead of upcoming elections. They argue that disarming opposition figures leaves them vulnerable to attacks, including from Al-Shabaab, and claim the government’s intentions are politically motivated.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
