Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharma'arke says he don’t think that the military offensive against the powerful insurgents would be successful if it does not have the backing of the people.   

“I don’t think that the military offensive against Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam would a successful one, I think the idea to instigate civilians against them will work better,” said Sharma’arke.

He accused clerics of taking clannish positions instead of assisting in relieving the civilians of the difficulties, adding that the government is doing what it can to unify the people.

Somali government has announced its plans of forcible retaking Mogadishu and other parts of the war-country in its long-awaited offensive.

The PM said the up-coming reshuffle of the cabinet will change perception of the civilians against the government to the positive side.

Meanwhile, Sharma’arke strongly rejected a recent UN report that accused the Somali soldiers of selling their weapons to the opposition groups.

The report also accused senior Somali government officials including cabinet ministers of corruptions and mal-practices.

GAROWE ONLINE