MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s government was involved in a failed weapons smuggling scheme that resulted in two truckloads of arms ending up in the hands of residents in Abudwaq town, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said on Saturday.
It was shocking that government officials were involved in the scandal, given that the recent lifting of UN arms embargo required authorities to restrict the flow of arms into civilian hands, he added.
In a blistering attack on the current administration, Sharif accused authorities of involvement in the trade of Khat drug that continues to impede the progress of the country’s armed forces, days after a prominent journalist had been arrested over similar comments.
The journalist should not have been arrested for a true comment, the whole public shares the view, the former president added, condemning government’s crackdown on independent media.
In a press conference held in Mogadishu, Sharif described ongoing plans aimed at shaking up the army and recruiting soldiers intended to be used for personal political motives, adding that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government treads a path that reflects on his leniency to a one-man rule, which resembles the iron-fisted and authoritarian reign of late President Mohamed Siad Barre.
The plans will further weaken the Somali army and embolden Al-Shabaab insurgents, who are now stronger than ever as the exit of African Union troops draws near, Sharif told reporters.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
