Khaire accuses Somali government of sacrificing experienced soldiers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Caasimada Online
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire accused the authorities of deploying experienced soldiers in fighting linked to a political dispute, rather than resolving it through dialogue. After clashes in Jameeco, in Bay region, which killed and wounded military personnel, he called on the government to provide a transparent account, according to Caasimada Online.
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire accused the federal government of deploying experienced soldiers against Al-Shabaab in an operation linked to a political dispute that should have been resolved through dialogue. He made the criticism on Tuesday, after deadly fighting on Monday in Jameeco, in Bay region, according to Caasimada Online.
Khaire said the soldiers killed were among the country’s best-trained military personnel and had been fighting the armed group Al-Shabaab for several years. He believes diverting the army from that fight weakens operations against the group, which can take advantage of political divisions.
The former head of government called on the authorities to account to Somalis for the events in Jameeco, the decisions that led to the operation and the circumstances of the attack. He also called for the army to be allowed to carry out its national missions without being drawn into conflicts between political leaders.
The statements come after the fighting in Buurhakaba, in which dozens of Somali soldiers were killed, according to figures published on 27 October. On 25 October, Somalia had also sent more than 100 military vehicles to Buurhakaba.
