By Mohamud Ali Ibrahim
Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. His leadership, particularly in the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab, has come under intense criticism as the country grapples with escalating insecurity, political divisions, and a faltering counter-terrorism strategy.
The spotlight on his failures is particularly harsh in Jubaland State, his own political constituency, where the Middle Juba province remains firmly under the grip of Al-Shabaab, an Al Qaeda-linked militant group.
This is not just a security crisis; it is a glaring indictment of the Prime Minister’s inability to fulfill his role as a unifying leader and a decisive actor in Somalia’s fight against terrorism.
A Microcosm of Broader Failures
Jubaland State, a critical region in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab, has become a symbol of Prime Minister Hamza’s shortcomings. Despite being his political constituency, Middle Juba province is entirely under the control of Al-Shabaab, a fact that underscores the government’s inability to reclaim and secure its own territory.
The situation is further complicated by the Prime Minister’s strained relationship with Jubaland’s leader, Ahmed Madobe. Political differences between the two have rendered cooperation nearly impossible, leaving Jubaland vulnerable to Al-Shabaab’s dominance.
This lack of collaboration between federal and regional leaders is not just a political failure; it is a security catastrophe. Al-Shabaab thrives in environments where governance is weak and political divisions are rife.
By failing to bridge the gap with Jubaland’s leadership, Prime Minister Hamza has inadvertently allowed the militant group to consolidate its control over the region. This raises serious questions about his ability to lead a cohesive and effective counter-terrorism strategy.
A Hollow Gesture/Tactic
In what appears to be an attempt to divert attention from his failures, Prime Minister Hamza recently ordered his ministers to relocate their operations to the frontlines of the conflict.
On the surface, this move might seem like a bold and decisive step, but critics have been quick to dismiss it as a publicity stunt. One critic aptly noted, “If the past is any guide, it simply means ministers getting out of the office, donning battle fatigue, touring frontlines with walking sticks, and taking plenty of selfies.”
This skepticism is not unfounded. Somalia’s history is replete with instances where symbolic gestures have been prioritized over substantive action.
The Prime Minister’s directive, while dramatic, does little to address the root causes of the conflict or the systemic issues plaguing Somalia’s security forces. Without a clear strategy, adequate funding, and genuine political will, relocating ministers to the frontlines is unlikely to yield any meaningful results.
A Leadership Vacuum
Prime Minister Hamza’s failures extend beyond the battlefield. He has also fallen short in addressing Somalia’s political and financial challenges. The country is in the midst of a deepening political crisis, exacerbated by delayed elections and ongoing tensions between federal and regional leaders.
As Prime Minister, Hamza has a responsibility to mediate these conflicts and foster unity, yet his efforts have been lackluster at best. Moreover, the fight against Al-Shabaab requires significant financial resources, which the government has struggled to secure.
Prime Minister Hamza has been unable to mobilize the necessary funds to support counter-terrorism operations, leaving Somalia’s security forces under-equipped and under-resourced. This financial shortfall has also hampered efforts to recruit and train new soldiers, further weakening the country’s ability to combat Al-Shabaab.
President: A Lone Actor?
In contrast to Prime Minister Hamza’s perceived inaction, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has taken a more proactive role in leading the nation.
Despite facing his own set of challenges, including criticism over potential delayed elections, the President has been at the forefront of efforts to rally support for the fight against Al-Shabaab.
His leadership, however, cannot compensate for the Prime Minister’s shortcomings. Somalia needs a unified and effective government, with both the President and Prime Minister working in tandem to address the country’s myriad challenges.
Leadership, Not Lip Service
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s tenure has been marked by missed opportunities and unmet expectations. To regain the trust of the Somali people and the international community, he must take decisive action to address the country’s security, political, and financial crises.
This includes repairing relations with regional leaders like Ahmed Madobe, developing a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy, and securing the necessary resources to support Somalia’s security forces.
Symbolic gestures and diversionary tactics will not suffice. Somalia needs bold and effective leadership, and Prime Minister Hamza must rise to the occasion.
Nevertheless, the stakes are too high, and the consequences of failure too dire, for anything less. The people of Somalia deserve a government that is capable of protecting them, uniting the country, and securing a brighter future. It is time for Prime Minister Hamza to prove that he is up to the task or quit before it become too late.
The Writer is Mohamud Ali Ibrahim, a security and counterterrorism journalist, based in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia.
