According to an official in the president’s office, Abdikarin asked the president to hand out medals to junior officers he deemed crucial to the war effort, and also said many were in line for automatic promotions. However, Sheikh Sharif refused his request, the official said.
“General Abdikarin Yusuf Aden has not been carrying out is duties over the last four days due to the rift between him and the president,” the official told Somalia Report.
According to source at the state house, Sheikh Sharif has refused to accept the resignation.
A source close to Abdulkadir Sheikh Ali Dini, the head of the military, said that other commanders opposed Aden, believing the list he delivered to Sheikh Sharif to be stuffed with his allies, many of whom do not deserve recognition.
General Abdikarin is from the Dir clan and he became well-known for his role in the capture of many areas of the capital from al-Shabaab.
“I have also the same news, although it is not yet official, but I think the man is facing invisible power struggle and challenges from Hawiye commanders since he became popular with the troops,” military expert Mahdi Omar told Somalia Report.
Attempts to reach the general were unsuccessful.