Beledweyne (WDN) In a move that surprised many political observers, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, widely described by critics as President Hassan’s chief political mouthpiece, led a high-level government delegation to Beledweyne in what is being viewed as one of his most prominent public engagements focused directly on his ministerial portfolio.
The delegation, comprising cabinet ministers, members of parliament, and senior government officials, traveled to the capital of the Hiiraan region to participate in celebrations marking the 49th anniversary of Djibouti’s Independence, commemorating the country’s liberation from French colonial rule on June 27, 1977.
Joining the defense minister were Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Abdifatah Qasim Mahmoud, State Minister for Internal Security Ali Mohamed Haga, Djibouti’s Ambassador to Somalia Osman Doubad, and several members of Somalia’s Federal Parliament.
The ceremony was held in honor of the Djiboutian “Hiil Walaal” contingent serving in Hiiraan under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). For years, the Djiboutian forces have fought alongside the Somali National Army, playing a significant role in counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab, protecting civilian populations, and helping stabilize areas recovered from the militant group.
Fiqi’s appearance at the event has attracted attention because much of his public profile during his tenure as defense minister has centered on broader political issues and national affairs rather than defense-related engagements. Nevertheless, during his visit to Beledweyne, Fiqi reverted to his familiar political rhetoric, launching fresh attacks against the opposition.
Fiqi remarked that the opposition had been “fortunate” that the demonstrations they organized in Mogadishu didn’t result in their elimination. The comments triggered an angry reaction from members of the Macawisley militia, with many observers saying the comments heightened tensions and fueled concerns over security in his delegation.
The Somali delegation joined Djiboutian troops in celebrating their national day while reaffirming the longstanding partnership between Somalia and Djibouti. The two neighboring countries have maintained close cooperation in defense, regional security, and the fight against Al-Shabaab, with Djibouti remaining one of Somalia’s most consistent security partners through its troop contributions to the African Union mission.
The visit also serves as a public recognition of the sacrifices made by Djiboutian peacekeepers, whose presence in the Hiiraan region has been instrumental in supporting Somalia’s efforts to restore security and strengthen state authority.
The occasion represents not only a celebration of Djibouti’s independence but also a reminder of the enduring military partnership between the two nations—and a notable moment in which Somalia’s defense minister has placed the spotlight squarely on defense and security affairs.
More importantly, despite the strong backlash sparked by his remarks about the opposition, Fiqi departed Beledweyne without security incidents,
WardheerNews
