LONDON (Kaab TV) – Ismail Moalim Buule once dreamed of a life in education. After earning his degree in physics, he quickly secured a teaching position at the Adult Education Centre, a private school in Mogadishu, where he became known as a “bright teacher of physics and history.”
Students like Binti Abshir fondly recall his dedication and intellect as ‘tireless instructor’.
But in 2020, Ismail chose a different path, joining Danab, Somalia’s elite U.S.-trained military force.
With intense and rigorous training, 27-year-old Ismail took part in numerous high-risk operations targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle, and Hiiraan regions.
One particularly daring raid in September 2022 saw Danab commandos eliminate 11 Al-Shabaab militants during an overnight operation in Buq Aqable, Hiiraan Province.
Despite the ever-present dangers, Ismail remained steadfast. However, tragedy struck in January 2023 during a dawn raid in Gal’ad District, central Somalia, when Major Hassan Mohamed Osman (Hassan Tuure), Danab’s deputy commander and Ismail’s close ally, was killed.
The two had worked side by side on critical operations, often coordinating efforts with U.S. advisors on the ground.
Ismail himself narrowly escaped death during a 2022 operation in Lower Shabelle when militants detonated an IED, leaving him critically injured. Yet, his resilience never wavered.
In February 2024, Ismail and his comrades secured Jowhar airport, a region heavily influenced by Al-Shabaab, after the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu and Somalia’s federal government signed a $100 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct five military bases for Danab, before it was put on hold.
These bases were meant to recruit, train, and equip 3,000 soldiers from across Somalia, building a sustainable light infantry capability within the Somali National Army (SNA).
However, by September 2024, Ismail’s service had taken a toll.
Months of unpaid wages, inadequate food, lack of healthcare, and the denial of his promotion due to corruption and nepotism left him disillusioned.
“It was time to quit,” said a family member, noting Ismail’s frustration with a military he had once served with pride.
Food rations suspended
In April 2024, the United States suspended food rations for Danab following a corruption scandal. An investigation revealed that food and fuel meant for Danab had been resold on the black market.
Companies linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s family were implicated in these contracts.
This scandal left soldiers like Ismail struggling to survive.
“Even after leaving the army, Ismail feared staying in Mogadishu,” a family member shared. “Militants could hunt him down, and government officials unhappy with his decision might target him.”
Corruption within Somalia’s military remains a significant obstacle, undermining professionalism and morale.
Soldiers frequently report that promotions are determined by clan affiliations or political connections rather than merit.
Additionally, the inclusion of recruits without thorough background checks has further compromised the military’s integrity.
Hoping to reach Europe
With no viable options, Ismail sold his pistol—his last valuable possession—and used the funds, along with help from friends, to flee Somalia.
In late September 2024, he embarked on a dangerous journey facilitated by merciless human traffickers through Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Libyan desert, hoping to reach Europe.
However, the journey turned tragic. While trekking through the Libyan desert in December, Ismail’s group was ambushed by robbers who stole their food and water. His previous injuries worsened, and he contracted severe diarrhea.
Left behind by his group, Ismail succumbed to illness and dehydration in December 20.
Friends and colleagues expressed their grief on social media.
“Ismail was an officer oppressed by his own country. May God give him his reward in Jannah,” wrote Nur Mohamud.
Mohamud Abdi stated: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. A young man with pride has his life cut short. O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, honor his abode, and expand his entrance.”
The Somali defence ministry declined to comment on Ismail’s case.
Corruption, nepotism, and the absence of accountability continue to undermine Somalia’s security and erode trust, even within elite units like Danab.
Unless the lack of accountability at the highest levels of leadership is addressed, the sacrifices of soldiers like Ismail Moalim Buule will go unrecognized, and the cycle of inefficiency and neglect will persist, further jeopardizing the country’s stability.