Jowhar, (Idil News) — A captured Somali National Army (SNA) soldier has delivered a damning account of dysfunction and despair within government forces, shedding light on the challenges facing Somalia’s military in its ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab. The soldier, a member of the Sa’d sub-clan of Habar Gidir, was taken prisoner during a recent Al-Shabaab assault in Cadaan Laxey and featured in a message released by the militant group on March 16, 2025.
In the recording, the prisoner recounted how his unit succumbed to panic during the attack, abandoning him as they fled the battlefield. He described the incident as emblematic of broader issues plaguing the SNA, including poor coordination and a crippling lack of morale. “My comrades ran, leaving me behind,” he said, adding that the desertion was driven by frustration and a lack of resources, notably the absence of vehicles critical for mobility and support.
The soldier’s testimony also revealed deeper tribal tensions exacerbating the government’s struggles. He claimed he was betrayed by members of the Abgaal sub-clan of Hawiye, aligned with Al-Shabaab, who turned against him. Notably, the Abgaal clan is the same as that of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, raising questions about internal divisions undermining the SNA’s cohesion. The prisoner further noted that reinforcements—approximately hundreds of fighters from Wisil in the Mudug region—were en route to bolster the SNA, though it remains unclear if they arrived in time to alter the outcome of the assault.
The captured militiaman painted a bleak picture of morale within Mogadishu’s forces, calling his abandonment one of the most disheartening moments of his service. “For most of us, there is simply nothing to die for,” he said, a sentiment he claimed is widespread among his peers. This crisis of confidence, coupled with logistical shortcomings, has left government troops increasingly vulnerable to Al-Shabaab’s highly coordinated offensives across Somalia.
The release of the message underscores Al-Shabaab’s ongoing strategy of exploiting weaknesses within the SNA, both militarily and psychologically. The group has ramped up attacks in recent months, capitalizing on the government’s apparent inability to maintain a unified and motivated fighting force. Analysts warn that the soldier’s account could further erode public trust in Mogadishu’s leadership at a time when stability hangs in the balance.
Somali government officials have yet to respond to the soldier’s capture or the allegations leveled in the recording. The silence from Mogadishu has only fueled concerns about the readiness and effectiveness of the SNA as it faces an emboldened insurgency. With tribal rivalries, low morale, and resource shortages plaguing its ranks, the SNA’s ability to counter Al-Shabaab’s advances remains in serious doubt, casting a shadow over Mogadishu based fragile security landscape.