The Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mukhtaar Roobow, strongly dismissed rumors suggesting that Al-Shabaab could take over Mogadishu.

Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu, Roobow categorically denied reports claiming that Somalia’s capital was at risk of falling to Al-Shabaab, comparing the situation to Kabul or Damascus.

“Mogadishu is not Kabul, nor Damascus. And Ahmed Karzai is not Hamid Sharara,” Minister Roobow declared.

He emphasized that no group can govern a country without the consent of its people, rejecting any notion that Al-Shabaab had gained significant military strength.

The Minister further clarified that the militant group had not acquired new forces or gained any strategic advantage, instead stating that their fighters were merely scattered across different regions without forming a structured force.

He pointed out that Al-Shabaab often intensifies its activities during Ramadan to spread fear but insisted that their capabilities remained unchanged.

“They are not gaining any new power. Every year during Ramadan, they attempt to create fear through increased attacks, but beyond that, they have not achieved anything substantial,” he said.

His remarks come amid escalating clashes between Al-Shabaab, government forces, and local Macawiisley militias in recent months. The militant group has launched attacks on areas reclaimed by the government two years ago, particularly in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, which neighbor Banaadir, where Mogadishu is located.