MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has drawn sharp criticism after downplaying the fall of the strategic central town of Adan Yabal to al-Shabaab militants on Wednesday, insisting the setback did not signify a failure but merely a reversal in momentum.
“After two years of pursuing them, it is now our turn to be pursued,” Mohamud said in remarks that have incensed Somalis across the political spectrum, including intellectuals and civil society figures, who view the statement as dismissive and deeply disconnected from public sentiment.
The comments come in stark contrast to promises made by the president in 2022 to defeat the al-Qaeda-linked insurgency in Hirshabelle and Galmudug regions within two weeks and to completely eradicate the group within three months.
Critics have labeled the president’s remarks as insulting to the Somali public and dangerously demoralizing to the country’s international partners, whose support—through intelligence sharing, air support, training, and funding—proved instrumental in temporarily dislodging militants from vast areas across Hiran, Galgadud, Mudug, and Middle Shabelle regions.
Adan Yabal, a key military command hub in central Somalia, was reportedly defended by between 3,000 to over 5,000 government troops. Its rapid fall to a relatively small group of al-Shabaab fighters within hours has raised serious questions about operational failures, leadership, and intelligence lapses within the Somali National Army.
Most of the territorial gains made during the 2022 military offensive have since been reversed, undermining the government’s narrative of progress and triggering renewed fears of a possible jihadist advance on the capital Mogadishu.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
