When It Comes To Fighting Al-Shabaab, You Either With Us or With The Enemy

In the tumultuous landscape of modern-day Somalia, a battle of existential proportions rages on. The enemy, terrorist group al-Shabaab, seeks to capture our beloved nation, threatening to plunge it into a nightmarish abyss. To emerge victorious in this harrowing war, unity among Somalis is not just crucial; it is paramount.

The motto that resonates in the hearts of all Somalis is simple: We are winning, and we must win. The resilience of our people and the sacrifices made in this war are testaments to our unwavering determination.

Yet, as we march forward, we find ourselves facing a perilous foe within our ranks. Saboteurs, both known and unknown, within and outside the government, are actively undermining our efforts to defeat al-Shabaab. These individuals are not wielding guns on the battlefield, but their actions are equally destructive. They provide the moral support that allows terrorists to thrive—the oxygen for their propaganda machine.

For years, these entities masqueraded as patriots and nationalists, claiming to have the best interests of our nation and its people at heart. They went by the name N&N, supporters of the previous government led by Farmaajo, affectionately dubbed “CBB,” or the insects of social media, due to their massive online presence as trolls.

During Farmaajo’s five-year tenure, they paraded themselves as the ultimate patriots, often labeling others as traitors. However, their actions spoke louder than their words. They never managed to liberate a single village from al-Shabaab, revealing that their true intent was not to save the country but to milk its national resources under the guise of nationalism and patriotism.

After losing power in the 2022 elections, they embarked on a mission to undermine the government’s efforts to combat al-Shabaab. They became a source of morale for terrorists and a force of destabilization against the government.

Shockingly, they began propagating al-Shabaab propaganda, peddling fake news as if it were legitimate information. When the government eliminated militants or recaptured territory, they vehemently denied it. However, when al-Shabaab launched attacks, they eagerly amplified the news, sometimes even exaggerating the events beyond what the terrorists themselves claimed.

It is a grim revelation when those you once believed to be sympathetic to your country’s cause turn out to be dangerous adversaries. The true face of N&N emerged after their loss of power, exposing their unsettling resemblance to al-Shabaab and their potential for even greater danger.

Their despicable act of mocking the deaths of Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers at the hands of al-Shabaab or celebrating the capture of territories by al-Shabaab was a betrayal of the patriotism and nationalism they had been feeding us for five long years. Worst of all, they exploited al-Shabaab’s media propaganda videos to demoralize our national army—a betrayal beyond comprehension.

In this multifaceted war against terror, the media battle is one of the most critical fronts—a war to counter their propaganda and expose those who, despite appearing to stand with us, are secretly aligned with our enemies. Losing morale in this war, not due to terrorists’ propaganda, but due to former patriots who deceived us, is the darkest chapter in our history. It will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of our history books and taught to future Somali students as a stark lesson in vigilance and patriotism.

As Somalis, we must recognize the true enemies within our midst and stand united against the darkness that threatens our nation. The road ahead may be treacherous, but our unity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a united Somalia will ultimately triumph over the forces that seek to tear us apart. In unity, we shall find strength, and in strength, we shall secure our nation’s future.