Monday July 6, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi on Sunday rejected claims that Somalia lacks a functioning army and security agencies, saying national forces remain on the front lines against al-Shabab.
Speaking in El-Dher district in Galgaduud region, Fiqi said Somali troops continue to defend the country daily and criticized politicians he accused of spreading statements that undermine the armed forces and ongoing military operations.
The minister’s remarks came in response to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump and amid growing political debate over Somalia’s security situation and the federal government’s ability to sustain the fight against al-Shabab.
Fiqi accused some critics of celebrating when al-Shabab captures areas while expressing frustration when government forces retake districts and villages.
He urged them to be patient, saying the government would continue its plan to liberate areas still controlled by the group.
Fiqi praised the soldiers for their courage and sacrifice and instructed them to intensify operations, increase vigilance and strengthen cooperation with local communities.
Somali National Army commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, who was also among the delegation visiting El-Dher district said the military command remains committed to continuing operations aimed at eliminating al-Shabab and improving security across the country.
The officials met Somali army units on the front lines, inspected troop conditions and reviewed ongoing operations.
The remarks come days after the United States said it would block U.N. support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, starting next year.
The nearly 12,000-strong AU mission supports Somalia’s federal government in the fight against al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked group that controls large parts of rural southern and central Somalia and has previously advanced close to Mogadishu.
AUSSOM relies heavily on the U.N. Support Office in Somalia for logistics, including food, water, fuel, medical services and troop transportation.
Washington has informed the African Union that it will not support continued U.N. logistical and operational support for the mission beyond the end of this year.
The U.S. government said it would not object to the U.N. Security Council renewing the AU mission’s mandate, but would oppose any extension that includes U.N. support through UNSOS.
The AUSSOM budget last year was $190 million, but financing for the mission has become increasingly uncertain, creating a major funding shortfall.
Washington last year blocked a proposal to shift AUSSOM to a financing model under which U.N. assessed contributions would cover three-quarters of the mission’s budget.
