Somali Military Court Chief Warns Troops Against Political Involvement, Opposition Welcomes Move

Mogadishu – The Chief of the Supreme Military Court, General Liban Ali Yarow, has publicly cautioned Somali National Army (SNA) troops against engaging in political activities, in a move that has been warmly received by the country’s political opposition.

Speaking to units of the Somali armed forces in Mogadishu, General Yarow issued a stern directive prohibiting soldiers from supporting or aligning themselves with political factions. He stressed that mixing politics with military duties undermines both professionalism and public trust.

“It is strictly forbidden for soldiers to become involved in politics,” Yarow declared. “Any soldier who wishes to pursue political ambitions must first remove his uniform, formally announce his resignation from the army, and then he is free to join politics or the opposition.”

The remarks target rank-and-file members of the Somali armed forces at a time when tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and opposition leaders are intensifying. Yarow’s statement was particularly welcomed by opposition figures, who have long accused the government of mobilizing security forces to advance partisan goals.

The address was delivered in Mogadishu amid a volatile political climate, with disputes over the electoral process and power-sharing arrangements fueling friction between Villa Somalia (the presidential palace) and opposition leaders.

For years, Somalia’s fragile democracy has been plagued by allegations that ruling administrations manipulate the security apparatus for political gain. Opposition leaders have repeatedly voiced concerns that the Somali National Army and police units are used to intimidate rivals, sway elections, and silence dissent.

By formally warning troops against such involvement, Yarow is attempting to reinforce the separation of military duty from partisan politics, a principle seen as vital for safeguarding Somalia’s transition toward stable governance.

General Yarow not only warned against political entanglement but also reminded troops of their constitutional responsibilities:

• To protect national security,
• To safeguard the Somali people, and
• To remain focused on operations against extremist groups such as al-Shabaab.

He instructed soldiers to avoid any actions that could undermine their discipline or tarnish the credibility of the armed forces.

The opposition has hailed Yarow’s intervention as timely and necessary. In recent months, opposition leaders have accused the federal government of politicizing the security sector, warning that such practices threaten both democracy and stability.

Somalia is currently navigating a sensitive political phase, with disputes over electoral frameworks, power distribution, and governance still unresolved. The military, as one of the country’s most powerful institutions, plays a decisive role in shaping outcomes—making Yarow’s directive all the more significant.

General Liban Ali Yarow’s declaration serves as both a warning and a reassurance: a warning to soldiers tempted by political entanglements, and a reassurance to opposition leaders wary of state militarization. At a time when Somalia faces heightened political tensions and fragile democratic processes, the call for a politically neutral army could prove critical in maintaining both security and public trust.