The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Somali Armed Forces, General Liban Ali Yarrow, has issued a stern warning to the armed forces, warning them against getting involved in politics or violating military discipline.
The statement came during a speech to units of the Somali National Army, in which he made it clear that any soldier who disobeys orders or flees the battlefield, acts with tribal bias, will be brought before the Military Court.
Speaking on the issue of involvement in politics, he said: “It is completely forbidden for soldiers to get involved in politics. Any soldier who wants to enter politics must first take off his military uniform and declare that he is not part of the army, then he can engage in political or opposition activities.”
General Liban called on the forces to focus on their national duty of maintaining the security of the country and protecting the Somali people.
He warned them to stay away from political issues that could undermine their military mission and operations.
The statement comes as Somali government forces are conducting large-scale operations against the Al-Shabaab group, amid reports that some soldiers are suspected of being involved in repeated political disputes.
