BELEDWEYNE (KAAB TV) – The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Hirshabelle regional administration, Abdi Dahir Gure Karore, has issued a scathing critique of the Somali Federal Government, accusing it of neglecting the local Mawisley militia – a volunteer force that has played a pivotal role in fighting the Al-Shabaab insurgency in the Hiran region for several years.
In a strongly worded statement to the media, Minister Karore condemned what he described as the federal government’s “deliberate negligence” towards the very communities that have made the greatest sacrifices in the war against Al-Shabaab. He asserted that the central government in Mogadishu has consistently failed to provide the necessary support, both logistical and financial, to the Mawisley fighters and the people of Hiran, who have borne the brunt of the fighting.
“The government has never given Mawisley the support they rightfully deserved,” Karore said. “Federal forces operating in Hiran heavily relied on these local fighters. And when the militias became weakened, the government troops collapsed right alongside them.”
The Minister further emphasized the resilience and self-reliance of the Hiran population, stating that the region’s inhabitants have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to freeing their land from extremist control without waiting for help that never arrives.
“The people of Hiran are not beggars. They have fought valiantly, shed blood, and made every sacrifice to push Al-Shabaab out of their towns and villages. They deserve not only recognition but real, tangible support,” he added.
Karore’s comments come at a time of increasing concern in the region, as reports emerge that Al-Shabaab has recently regained control of several key areas in Hiran. According to local sources, the extremist group has taken advantage of the weakening of Mawisley forces, along with the apparent drawdown of federal military units in the area following recent setbacks.
The Hirshabelle minister voiced alarm over the deteriorating security conditions and the repeated failures of military offensives that, he says, were mostly led by under-resourced local militias. He warned that without a substantial change in policy and a serious commitment from the federal government, the progress made in recent years could be entirely reversed.
“It is unacceptable that the same people who risk their lives daily to defend Somalia from terrorism are left to fight alone. These militias have done more with less, and they are now stretched to the limit. Ignoring their needs is not just a failure of leadership – it’s a betrayal,” Karore stated.
While the Somali Federal Government has not yet issued a public response to these allegations, several insiders familiar with the situation have confirmed that the lack of support from both federal and regional security institutions remains a significant obstacle in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that continues to be linked to the global terrorist network Al-Qaeda.
As Al-Shabaab regains ground in central Somalia, the frustrations voiced by local leaders like Minister Karore highlight a growing rift between the federal government and regional administrations. The consequences of continued inaction, many warn, could further destabilize a region already teetering on the edge.