The Afghan tragedy unfolding before our eyes is more than a humanitarian disaster – it is a devastating symbol of global failure. As we watch the chaos and heartbreak, we are reminded that 20 years of military intervention and occupation have ended not in peace, but in collapse. These scenes must shake the conscience of the international community and force world leaders to ask difficult questions, not only about Afghanistan, but about countries on a similar path – like Somalia.
The signs in Somalia are deeply troubling. The very ingredients that led to the collapse in Afghanistan are also present in my country. Extremism is growing. Corruption has spread through every level of government. Billions in international aid have vanished into unaccountable systems. And rather than supporting the Somali people, this money has too often served to strengthen private interests and weaken our institutions.
Somalia’s army is underfunded, poorly trained and lacks the leadership needed to protect the nation. Security has been outsourced to invisible foreign contractors. Radical groups like Al-Shabaab continue to exploit the vacuum of hope and opportunity, growing in confidence and numbers. Their ideology mirrors that of the Taliban – dangerous, oppressive, and targeted directly at our youth.
When the Taliban claimed victory in Afghanistan, their celebrations echoed in Mogadishu. This should send alarm bells around the world.
As President of the Alliance for the Future Party, and leader of the opposition in Somalia, I must speak out. The now former President Farmajo refused to uphold the constitution, blocked direct democratic elections, and clung to a corrupt and outdated clan system. In doing so, he weakened Somalia’s resistance to radicalism and betrayed the desire of our people for change.
To the international community: you must not repeat the mistake of ignoring the warnings. You must stop turning a blind eye to a government that is failing its people. If Somalia falls to extremist control, history will remember who stood by and did nothing. The time to act is now – before it is too late.
