Qatar is mediating between the nascent democratic Somali government and the religious extremist group Al-Shabaab. There are concerns about Qatar’s motivation that may have a hidden agenda related to Al-Shabaab, as it has been accused of supporting extremist groups in the region. Qatar, like other Gulf States, is known for its monarchy that is resistant to democratic changes in neighboring countries. This is due to fears and concerns about challenges to its absolute rule. Gulf monarchies are known for their control over resources and reluctance to embrace democratic reforms. They have been accused of destabilizing neighboring countries to maintain regional influence
As known, Gulf state monarchies are governed by ruthless royal families who assert ownership over their people, land, and resources, resisting any democratic reforms. Rather than facing internal challenges, they prefer isolating their citizens from democratic changes. When neighboring democratic movements pose a threat, these monarchies often destabilize poorer nations through funding, radicalism, and inciting factional conflicts. This approach has undermined the sovereignty of their neighboring countries like Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Libya. Qatar stands out as particularly dangerous, ideologically aligned with terrorist groups and covertly supporting extremists to overthrow weak democratic governments in targeted nations.
Qatar’s mediation between the Somali government and the extremist group Al-Shabaab mirrors the historical scenario seen in Afghanistan. Qatar’s main objective appears to be undermining Somalia’s democratic government and bolstering Al-Shabaab’s rule. Negotiating with Al-Shabaab, known for its refusal to surrender weapons and extremist ideology linked to Al Qaeda and ISIS, raises doubts about the effectiveness of dialogue with both sides. If Al-Shabaab joins to share power within the government of Somalia, then there’s a significant risk of internal government conflict and targeted assassinations of democratic officials, potentially leading to radical rule. Leaders of the Somali government should carefully consider Qatar’s involvement, given Qatar’s historical alignment with terrorists and extremist jihadist insurgents. A notable example is Afghanistan. Qatar positioned itself as a mediator between Afghanistan’s emerging democratic government and the extremist Taliban. However, Qatar successfully executed its covert plan to empower the Taliban, thereby sidelining the Afghan government aligned with the West.
Dr. Said Mohamud (Sacim)
Chair of the Somali People’s Democratic Party
Saciidciise258@aol.com
