Somalia ex-spy chief hints at Al-Shabaab alliance
Former intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe did not rule out cooperation with Al-Shabaab to destabilize the government.
Former Somali intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe stated his Hawadle clan intends to form a new regional administration in Hiran. This move follows the clan's failure to secure the presidency of Hirshabelle state under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Sanbalolshe suggested this initiative could escalate into armed resistance against the federal government in Mogadishu.
Sanbalolshe indicated his movement would seek assistance from any party to remove President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government. When asked about cooperating with Al-Shabaab, the militant group fighting the government, Sanbalolshe did not rule out the possibility. He also mentioned meeting leaders in the United Arab Emirates, including presidents of Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland, urging them to support a rebellion in Hiran.
Counterterrorism official Abdirahman Turyare recently warned of plans for armed rebellions in Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions. Sanbalolshe compared his movement's potential actions to those of Southwest State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, who has faced accusations of coordinating with Al-Shabaab.
Why it mattersSomalia faces renewed fears of political instability and potential armed conflict as a former intelligence chief suggests forming a new regional administration and does not rule out an alliance with Al-Shabaab.