Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s federal government has issued a stern response to repeated allegations by the opposition group Samatabixinta [Salvation], which claims the country’s national army has been dismantled and defeated on the battlefield.
During a visit to the elite Gorgor military camp in Mogadishu, Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi addressed hundreds of Somali National Army troops, urging them to intensify efforts against the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, Fiqi dismissed the accusations as “politically motivated fabrications” aimed at discrediting both the army leadership and the federal administration.
“The Somali National Army remains intact, well-trained, and fully committed to defending our nation and people,” the defence minister said.
Fiqi further accused the critics of being “enemies of progress and national rebuilding,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening Somalia’s military capabilities.
The remarks come amid mounting criticism from opposition leaders, particularly the Samatabixinta faction, who have consistently accused the government of neglecting the country’s security forces and mishandling national defence.
The escalating war of words reflects deepening political tensions between the federal government and its opponents, signaling a growing unwillingness by both sides to tolerate mutual accusations.
