MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Former Somali Information Minister Zakaria Mahmoud Hajji has alleged that Israel has deeply infiltrated Somalia’s federal institutions and political decision-making structures, weeks after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Tel Aviv as an enemy of both Somalia and the Muslim world over its recognition of Somaliland, its acceptance of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, and plans to establish a military base in the Red Sea port city of Berbera.
Wararka Soomaaliya
Hajji Alleges Israeli Influence in Somalia
“Israel has deeply infiltrated Somalia’s institutions and penetrated Somali political decision-making. We must recognize the danger of its presence in Berbera, as well as the risks posed by delays in achieving national unity and saving what remains of the Somali state,” Hajji told in an interview with Egypt Independent newspaper.
“The primary responsibility lies with the Somalis themselves, and this is what allowed the fragmentation to occur. However, Arab states and countries of the Horn of Africa also bear responsibility.”
Faahfaahinta
The former Somali minister argued that responsibility for Somalia’s fragmentation rests primarily with Somalis themselves, while also pointing to the role of regional actors.
Israel, Ethiopia and Somalia
Hajji added that “Israel penetrates Somalia through Ethiopia, as the two countries share relations and mutual interests.”
Saamaynta
Speaking about his history of being part of the insurgent groups that fought Ethiopian forces after they entered Somalia and seized the capital, Mogadishu, in 2006, Hajji explained how he believed Israel used Ethiopia in pursuing its interests in Somalia.
“I was part of the Somali Re-Liberation Alliance when Ethiopia attempted to occupy parts of Somalia in 2007. The war with Ethiopia continued between 2007 and 2011. After Ethiopia was repelled and its forces pushed out of parts of Somali territory, Western powers stepped in and helped install non-national forces into positions of authority, which later contributed to the deterioration of the situation,” Hajji said.
“When Ethiopia occupied parts of Somalia, it was effectively a proxy war. Israel had an interest in fragmenting Somalia, while Ethiopia had a direct interest in fighting Somalia and occupying parts of it. Thus, Ethiopian and Israeli objectives converged. Even today, Ethiopia continues to occupy part of western Somalia,” Hajji added.
Wararka.so waxay kuu soo tebineysaa wararka ugu dambeeyey ee Soomaaliya iyo caalamka. Si aad ula socoto wararkii ugu dambeeyey, booqo boggayaga.
