Monday January 27, 2025
FILE – Somalia’s Health Minister, Ali Haji Hassan, during a government briefing addressing the controversial remarks by Presidential Envoy Ali Jeyte and the ongoing anti-Al-Shabaab offensive in Hiiraan
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Health Minister, Ali Haji Hassan, has criticized recent comments by Presidential Envoy Ali Jeyte, describing them as irresponsible and potentially damaging to efforts against Al-Shabaab.
Jeyte, who represents the government’s community defence forces known as Macawiisleey, recently declared that anyone living in Al-Shabaab-controlled areas should be regarded as a terrorist. The remarks sparked swift backlash, with Minister Haji cautioning against such inflammatory language.
“Labeling all individuals in Al-Shabaab-held areas as terrorists reflects an extremist mindset,” Minister Haji said. “While Jeyte’s intent may have been to encourage resistance, his words lack the responsibility and nuance required of public officials. Provocative rhetoric benefits no one but the Khawarij,” Haji stated, using a derogatory term commonly associated with Al-Shabaab. “We must exercise care in our words to avoid fueling tribal tensions or aiding the propaganda efforts of the enemy.”
The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sambaloolshe, intervened immediately, correcting Jeyte’s comments during a public address.
The minister’s criticism comes amid heightened preparations for a large-scale offensive against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan, led by Somali National Army (SNA) troops and local militias, including the grassroots Macawiisleey forces. The campaign, described by officials as one of the most ambitious in recent years, aims to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s strongholds in the region.
Jeyte, a former Hiiraan governor and a key figure in mobilizing the Macawiisleey, had earlier called for unity among troops and militias. Speaking to soldiers near Buula Burte, he framed the offensive as a decisive moment for Somalia’s future. “This is a war for justice and unity. We must liberate our people and dismantle Al-Shabaab’s oppressive grip,” Jeyte said. He also urged civilians in militant-controlled areas to evacuate.
FILE – Ma’awisley fighters rest under the shade of a building in Hiiraan as they prepare to join Somali National Army troops in a large-scale offensive aimed at liberating Al-Shabaab-controlled territories.
