Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire has issued a strong statement following the takeover of Ali Gadud Mosque by Al-Shabaab.
Expressing deep concern, Khaire lamented the fall of the area, which had been liberated two years ago by Somali security forces and local fighters.
“I am deeply pained by the fact that terrorists have recaptured Ali Gaud Mosque—an area that our brave national forces and local heroes freed two years ago. Many of our country’s finest sacrificed their lives for this liberation,” Khaire stated.
He emphasized that Al-Shabaab remains the biggest obstacle to Somalia’s progress, launching attacks not just on territories but on the Somali people as a whole.
“Terrorists are the greatest challenge standing in the way of Somalia’s development. Every inch of land they seize is a setback for every Somali. We are one people, and their advance is a failure for us all,” he added.
Khaire warned against framing territorial losses as failures of specific individuals, groups, or clans, arguing that such narratives only divide the nation and embolden the enemy.
“I caution the Somali people against interpreting the fall of any area as a failure of an individual, group, or clan. Such divisions weaken our unity and only serve to strengthen the ruthless terrorists,” he stressed.
Looking back at past victories against Al-Shabaab, Khaire highlighted that success was achieved through unity and collective effort. He urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to set aside political differences and prioritize national salvation.
“I call on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to take the lead in rescuing our nation. He must put aside the political disputes that have divided us and extend a national platform for unity—so that together, we can liberate our land and eliminate these extremists,” Khaire concluded.
