A once-in-a-century deluge halted troops movements while the President went on a world tour to raise funds, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has November s unprecedentedly severe rains and floods to thank for the fact he has not paid the full political price for the setback government forces suffered against Al Shabaab at Osweyne in October. Critics say Mogadishu squandered a military advantage over the Islamist militia, and had to pull out of towns in Galgadug that had previously been captured at high cost.
The President s corruption of the electoral process has weakened security, presaging a more authoritarian politics, Hopes that the elections would open a new political chapter and more accountable governance look misplaced. Even if the troubled presidential elections are held in 2022, they re unlikely to bolster democratic forces in the country.