President Hassan Sheikhs team were quick to associate themselves with the military victory of Sudan’s military leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against the UAE backed rebels this week. General Burhan is a Sudanese hero and a successful military leader who triumphed over his enemies. He knew the UAE was his enemy and Saudi Arabia his ally. He was loyal to his friend and fought against the UAE. Hassan Sheikh is lost he thinks UAE is Somalia’s best friend and he can’t differentiate between friends and enemies. 

When General Burhan visited the presidential palace in Khartoum after landing at the city’s airport, he kissed the ground. He walked victoriously through his capital followed by loyal professional soldiers from all over his country. It was a happy day for Sudan. In Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh went to his clan territories and was welcomed by macawisley forces, many without shoes and proper weapons.

A few professional national soldiers were present guarding him. While he was in the field the terrorist group Al-Shabaab attacked territory they lost 2 years ago only 30km from where the president was. Then president Hassan ran back to the safety of Villa Somalia and flew to Turkey to beg for more military assistance. Before committing anymore support, president Erdoğan should ask him what he did with the tens of thousands of internationally trained soldiers he inherited from the previous government. Where are the highly qualified Turksom graduates?  Drones and aerial bombings are a poor substitute for these ground forces that President Hassan has wasted, neglected and killed through negligence. 

Only last week president Hassan Sheikh survived an attack on his life outside his office. He then landed in the battlefield only to be welcomed by the head of NISA who he was laughing with and businesspeople from his clan. 

There was no mention of the intelligence failure. No consequences even for the man who risked his life by not doing his job. The business peope no doubt wanted payment and favors for bringing a few macawisley from their clans. 

This is what fighting the most danger Al-Qaeda group in Africa looks like under the government of President Hassan Sheikh and his prime minister and cabinet. Hassan Sheikh is no battle commander. He is no war time leader. He is no General Burhan no matter how much his cheerleaders lie to him.

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Author: Hanuuniye Adow, A Writer and Horn of Africa Political Analyst.