Whereas Mogadishu basks in the glow of national celebration, honoring social media darlings while a critical battle for Somalia’s future is being lost in the shadows. The juxtaposition of Mogadishu’s lavish recognition with the fall of Moqokori to Al-Shabaab offers a stark, painful moment of reflection for a nation teetering on the precipice.
In the bustling capital of Mogadishu, the air has been thick with festivity. The 65th freedom anniversary celebrations have drawn to a close, marked by official recognition and awards bestowed upon prominent social media personalities. The influencers,Tiktokers and vloggers, recipients of a certificate of honor for ther contributions to the freedom week events, has become a symbol of this glitzy, seemingly detached celebration.
Yet, as the confetti settles in Mogadishu, a grim reality unfurls just beyond the celebratory spotlight. While the nation’s attention is drawn to the fanfare, the strategically vital town of Moqokori in central Somalia has tragically fallen into the hands of Al-Shabaab. The valiant Macawisleey militia, which had steadfastly defended Moqokori for the past two years, has been expelled, marking a significant setback in the government’s ongoing struggle against the extremist group.
Moqokori is not an isolated incident. In the past two months alone, at least nine other cities have slipped from government and allied control, including Beera-Yabaal, Jicibow, Abooreey, Yassooman, Ceelqooxle, Mubaax, Gumare, and Ceel-Hareeri. These territorial losses are a direct affront to the gains made as recently as May, when the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, held a crucial meeting in Moqokori to strategize against Al-Shabaab. The current offensive by Al-Shabaab, which began in February 2025, has seen the group reclaim significant territory, particularly in the Shabelle regions.
The timing of Moqokori’s fall is particularly jarring. While the President is reportedly immersed in travel and leading celebrations in Mogadishu, a critical front in the war against extremism appears to be unraveling. This stark contrast – influecners “enjoying” with certificates and money, while ordinary citizens in frontline towns were facing displacement, violence, and the brutal imposition of extremist rule – ignites a fierce critical lens on the priorities of the Somali leadership.
The recapture of Moqokori by Al-Shabaab represents a grave strategic blow. The town was among the first liberated during a major government offensive launched in the summer of 2022.
Its re-capture not only undermines past efforts but also positions the militants to advance towards Mahas, a critical and long-held government stronghold in the region. The security landscape in Somalia remains precarious, with Al-Shabaab exploiting political divisions and the overstretched resources of the Somali Armed Forces.
The Echoes of a Warning Unheeded – And a Nation Divided
The gravity of this situation is perhaps best captured by Mohamed Abdi Ware, Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD and former President of HirShabelle State, whose recent statement cuts to the core of Somalia’s current predicament:
“Three years ago, I said that we have defeated the Shabaab on the battlefield, and asked rhetorically, ‘will it defeat us on the political field?’.
Today, the Shabaab came from as far as Jubaland and Southwest to concentrate on the singular battle in Moqokori, Hiiraan. I was unable to identify any other significant active frontline against the Shabaab. Almost everybody else chose to look away!
It is clear to ourselves, to our Partners, and indeed to Shabaab itself, that eliminating this terror group is no longer our number ONE priority!
I still believe we can defeat the Shabaab, if we stop the political distractions, the manufacturing of petty issues and artificial crises, and find a common purpose. Anything less is just the proverbial Somali merry-go-round- ‘Ila Meereeyso’.”
Ware’s words are not merely an observation; they are a scathing indictment and a call to accountability. They highlight a disturbing shift in priorities, where the existential threat of terrorism appears to have been relegated in favor of political infighting and superficial displays. The concentration of Al-Shabaab’s forces in Moqokori, unchallenged elsewhere, speaks volumes about a fractured focus.
Adding to this complex tapestry of crisis and distraction, the Puntland Ministry of Information recently posted on Twitter (X), an accusation that further underscores the internal strife plaguing the nation:
“Somali Federal Government is destabilizing peace in Puntland state of Somalia causing unrest while Puntland state is waging war against ISIS and ALSHABAAB. Hassan Sheikh is trying to prevent Puntland victory and defeat international Terrorists.”
This deeply concerning statement from a key federal member state paints a picture of a nation not only battling external extremist forces but also grappling with internal mistrust and political machinations at the highest levels. It suggests that resources and attention, which should be singularly focused on the fight against terrorism, are instead being diverted towards undermining regional stability and perceived political rivals. If the Federal Government is indeed engaged in activities that destabilize regions actively fighting terror, it lends credence to Ware’s fears about political distractions eclipsing the primary goal of defeating Al-Shabaab.
A Moment of Profound Reflection
This moment demands more than superficial celebrations. It calls for a profound moment of national reflection. The chasm between the lavish public spectacle in the capital and the grim realities faced by communities on the frontlines is a dangerous indicator of disconnected governance. The question must be asked: What truly constitutes progress and freedom when swathes of the country are falling back under the grip of a violent extremist group, and resources are seemingly diverted to appease social media celebrity rather than fortify national security?
Somalia stands at a crossroads. The spirit of independence and unity, so proudly celebrated in Mogadishu, rings hollow if it does not extend to the protection and well-being of all its citizens. The plight of the Macawisleey militia and the people of Moqokori, alongside the accusations from Puntland, should serve as a sobering reminder that true freedom is not merely declared; it is fiercely defended, and its value is measured not in social media likes, but in the security and dignity afforded to every Somali. The nation’s leaders must re-evaluate their priorities, shifting focus from performative celebrations to the urgent, existential fight for Somalia’s future.