Security reform in Mogadishu is key to foiling Al-Shabaab attacks

[Deeq A.]

Security forces planning a rapid response near Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu.

Mogadishu (Commentary) — The attack on Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu by Al-shabaab once again brings to light vulnerabilities in the security structure. Without addressing those vulnerabilities the federal government security forces will remain incapable of degrading Al-shabaab’s ability to wreak havoc in Mogadishu.

Mogadishu is a capital city in which parallel forces operate. The director of National Intelligence and Security Agency Mahad Salad one year ago was encouraged clan militias (National Salvation) that challenged the federal security forces. Two weeks ago the Religious Affairs and Endowments Minister Mukhtar Robow, a former senior Al-Shabaab leader, credited National Salvation forces with saving Somalia.

In Mogadishu there is a strong perception that the subclan of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dominates the security recruitment process thanks in part to a policy initiated by President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Al-shabaab exploits institutional anomalies. Its operatives gauge public perceptions about security forces. They target areas after careful planning to delay rapid response. Government response to Al-Shabaab attacks takes between 1-2 hours. Security forces spend more time on planning a response for fear of being ambushed by Al-Shabaab operatives.

A crane being used to rescue people trapped in Hayat Hotel.

Police officers at Mogadishu police stations are less disciplined and more corrupt. That is why Haramcad or Alpha Group launch rescue missions after Al-Shabaab attacks a hotel or a business centre in Mogadishu. Locals complain of extortion by district-based security forces whose commanders empower Mogadishu district commissioners to collect an illegal annual housing tax, among other unregulated levies.

As it stands, different subclans rule Mogadishu districts. This practice dates back to 1991 when United Somali Congress ragtag militias turned Mogadishu neighbourhoods into subclan strongholds.

What is equally puzzling is the decision by Al-Shabaab to target businesses that adhere to its “tax policies”. Al-Shabaab refines its strategy to target high-end business centers in Mogadishu. Until genuine security reform takes place in Mogadishu, plans to prevent Al-Shabaab attacks will continue to be an unrealizable dream.

The Author of this article was a senior NISA officer between 2014-2018.

© Puntland Post, 2022

The post Security reform in Mogadishu is key to foiling Al-Shabaab attacks appeared first on Puntland Post.