Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Prominent Somali opposition leaders have issued scathing criticism of the Federal Government of Somalia after the strategic town of Maxaas in Hiiraan region was recaptured by Al-Shabaab militants. The incident, they said, represents a serious breakdown in national security and a failure of federal leadership.
In separate statements released Monday, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Wadajir Party leader MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame condemned the government’s approach to the war against Al-Shabaab, warning that territorial losses and declining public morale are undermining recent military gains.
Sharif, who led Somalia from 2009 to 2012, said the fall of Maxaas — a town liberated more than 12 years ago — reflects “a grave failure of federal responsibility.”
“It is deeply regrettable that Al-Shabaab is regaining control over areas that had long been free. This is the result of dangerous security negligence. The federal government must be held accountable,” he said.
He commended the bravery of the Somali National Army and the Macawisley community militia, offering condolences to the families of those killed in the defense of Maxaas. “Their courage and patriotism deserve national recognition. I wish the wounded a speedy recovery,” he added.
MP Abdirahman Abdishakur echoed Sharif’s concerns, calling the fall of Maxaas — following the losses of Moqokori and Aadan Yabaal — “a national disgrace” and a betrayal of the sacrifices made by local communities.
“When militants retake areas that were liberated over a year ago, this is not just a military setback — it is a collapse in leadership,” he said. “The federal government replaced the momentum of a grassroots resistance with disorganization and mismanagement.”
In a direct message to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Abdishakur accused the administration of abandoning the unified national mission against terrorism in favor of political infighting.
“Mr. President, you have veered away from our shared goal of defeating terrorism. Instead, you have prioritized manipulated elections, clan favoritism, and a politics of revenge,” he wrote.
He urged the president to reconcile with opposition figures and estranged federal member states, and to refocus on defeating Al-Shabaab. “Use your remaining time in office wisely. Unite the people. End retaliatory politics. Lead with responsibility and long-term vision.”
The latest developments follow a series of territorial advances by Al-Shabaab in central Somalia, including the recent recapture of Maxaas, Moqokori, and Aadan Yabaal. These events have drawn national attention to ongoing security challenges and the sustainability of current military operations.
