Somalia’s Unyielding Struggle with Illicit Arms and the Mirage of Change

By Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, Senior Journalist and Secretary General of the Somali Journalist Syndicate (SJS)

In the heart of the Horn of Africa, Somalia remains ensnared in a seemingly endless cycle of violence and instability. The root cause? A proliferation of illicit arms that has only deepened the chasm of lawlessness. For years, I have chronicled the devastating impacts of lifting the arms embargo on Somalia, underscoring a stark reality: a nation without a strong, unified government is ill-equipped to handle an influx of weaponry.

Under President Hassan Sheikh’s regime, this reality has only worsened. The Somali army, fragmented along clan lines, lacks the cohesion necessary to act as a stabilizing force. Corruption among politicians further exacerbates this dysfunction, creating a breeding ground for mooryaans—armed gangs that terrorize local populations with impunity. As someone who has consistently exposed these truths, I have faced relentless attacks and intimidation from these very mooryaans, emboldened by a leadership more focused on silencing dissent than addressing the root of the crisis.

My writings have not gone unnoticed by President Hassan Sheikh. His regime’s attempt to suppress my voice was not merely an act of censorship but a desperate effort to conceal the truth: that the Somali government is failing its people. The regime’s tactics of intimidation, however, have only strengthened my resolve to shine a light on the pervasive corruption and violence that plague our nation.

In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift. President Hassan Sheikh’s former allies, once steadfast in their support, have begun to openly criticize him. This is not a sign of a principled awakening but rather a testament to the transient nature of political alliances built on financial incentives. When the money runs dry, so does the loyalty.

The situation in Somalia is dire, and the international community must acknowledge the futility of lifting the arms embargo in the absence of a robust governance framework. Introducing more weapons into an already volatile environment only empowers the mooryaans and perpetuates the cycle of violence. The focus should instead be on strengthening institutions, fostering political unity, and rooting out corruption.

Somalia’s future hinges on the establishment of a government that can rise above clan divisions and corruption. Until then, the dream of peace and stability remains a distant mirage, and the truth I continue to tell remains as critical as ever.

Abdalle Ahmed Mumin
Senior Journalist and Secretary General of the Somali Journalist Syndicate (SJS)