Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Four men, accused of being members of Al-Shabaab, were brought before a military court in Somalia yesterday. The suspects are charged with planning terrorist attacks in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, a region known for its relative peace and stability compared to other parts of Somalia. All the four suspects reportedly originate from Somaliland.

The hearing took place at the First Ranking Court of the Armed Forces of Somalia, where it was revealed that the suspects were involved in a coordinated efforts to destabilize Somaliland’s regions, particularly Hargeisa and Burao.

Among the accused is Jabir Hassan Diriye Egal, a resident of Hargeisa, who, according to court testimony, received his early education there before traveling to Somalia in 2020 to join Al-Shabaab. After completing military training in Jilib, Jabir allegedly participated in several operations in southern Somalia.

Another accused, Abdiwahab Dheg Isma’il Ahmed, was said to have joined Al-Shabaab in late 2023 after being recruited in Somaliland. Reports suggest that he traveled to Mogadishu and the Lower Shabelle region, where he actively promoted extremist ideologies, furthering Al-Shabaab’s agenda.

Khalid Hassan Farax Jamac, the third suspect, was identified as a former teacher in Burao who had been radicalized by the Al-Shabaab group. He was reportedly paid $100 by Al-Shabaab to spread extremist views among the youth in his hometown.

The fourth suspect, 55-year-old Abdirarin Ibrahim Elmi, with ties to both Germany and Somaliland, was also accused of undergoing military training in Jilib. Prosecutors allege that he returned to Somaliland intending to provoke violence in Burao, a city known for its peace.

As the trial progresses, the court is expected to deliver its verdict soon. If convicted, the suspects face severe penalties under Somalia’s military laws, which punish involvement in terrorist activities harshly. The trial has reignited discussions about the presence of extremist groups in Somaliland, which has largely remained untouched by the violence plaguing other parts of Somalia.

SNTV Documentary Sparks Public Debate

In addition to the courtroom proceedings, a 26-minute documentary aired by Somali National Television (SNTV) has captured the public’s attention, going viral across social media platforms. The documentary, which offers a detailed account of the trial, covers the defense counsel’s strategies, the plaintiffs’ questions, and the defendants’ testimonies.

Viewers were particularly drawn to the suspects’ personal stories, where they provided surprising insights into their lives before joining Al-Shabaab. The defendants disclosed their former professions and revealed shocking details about their plans to carry out attacks in Somaliland. Their testimonies, which contradicted the common narrative surrounding Al-Shabaab recruits, have sparked widespread public debate.

The documentary’s widespread circulation has swayed public opinion and raised awareness about the ongoing threat of extremism, even in Somaliland. The suspects’ revelations have fueled discussions on how extremist groups like Al-Shabaab continue to recruit and operate within Somaliland, a region previously perceived as secure.

As the trial moves forward, the documentary’s impact continues to shape public discourse in Somalia, with many now questioning the true extent of Al-Shabaab’s influence and the potential threat it poses to Somaliland’s stability.