MOGADISHU – Former National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Abdullahi Mohamed Sanbaloolshe has strongly condemned the killing of Somali National Army soldier Ahmed Shire Xuseen, describing the incident as a brutal, barbaric and cowardly act.
Sanbaloolshe said he was deeply saddened by the killing, which occurred along the border between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, and stressed that similar incidents had happened before, raising concerns about the safety of Somali soldiers serving their country.
In a strongly worded statement, Sanbaloolshe said it was unacceptable for a soldier who had sworn an oath to defend his homeland to be subjected to such treatment.
He described Ahmed Shire as a national hero who was serving his country and said the circumstances surrounding his death must be properly investigated and those responsible brought to justice.
Sanbaloolshe also rejected any attempt to portray the perpetrators as representatives of a particular clan or community.
“The people who committed this barbaric act do not represent anyone. They are individuals acting for themselves, and we will not stop, day or night, until Ahmed receives justice,” Sanbaloolshe said.
His remarks come amid concerns that the killing could be interpreted through a clan-based lens and potentially trigger further tensions between communities in the area.
Sanbaloolshe therefore called on the Somali public, particularly residents of Hiiraan and others who have been affected by the killing, to remain calm and refrain from actions that could escalate the situation.
He urged people to allow security and judicial authorities to investigate the incident and identify those responsible through evidence and due process.
“The Somali people, especially the people of Hiiraan and everyone who has been affected by this incident, should remain calm and help de-escalate the situation,” he said, adding that those responsible would soon be brought into custody.
Sanbaloolshe emphasized that justice should be pursued through lawful means rather than through revenge or collective punishment. His statement also underlined the importance of preventing the killing of a national soldier from becoming a broader source of clan conflict.
The former NISA chief further stressed that the killing of a member of the Somali armed forces should be treated as a serious national security and criminal matter. He said soldiers who serve under the national flag deserve protection and accountability when they are targeted.
Sanbaloolshe also appealed to those making statements or taking actions that could inflame public anger to stop such activities, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could deepen tensions and create further instability.
The former intelligence chief concluded by paying tribute to Ahmed Shire, describing him as a courageous national soldier whose death should not be forgotten.
“May Allah have mercy on Ahmed Shire. He was a national hero, and we will not be among those who remain silent and simply watch,” Sanbaloolshe said.
The killing has added to concerns over security and accountability in areas where clan tensions remain sensitive. Calls for a credible investigation and justice are expected to be important in preventing the incident from triggering further violence or retaliatory attacks.
