Hassan Sheikh: We all have a duty to fight Al-Shabaab in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud now says the Federal Member States [FMS] leaders have a singular duty to work with the federal government in the ongoing crackdown against Al-Shabaab, a group which has for years controlled Central and Southern parts of the country.

Al-Shabaab has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia but their efforts have often crumbled following a sustained operation that has lasted for a couple of months now, leading to the liberation of strategic towns across the Horn of Africa nation.

After the conclusion of the National Consultative Council [NCC] meeting in Mogadishu, the federal leader said the country has made a tremendous milestone in defeating the group, noting that there is a need for regional troops to be aligned with the government to help in pushing the militants further.

Hassan Sheikh said the Somali National Army [SNA] and clan militia have seized several areas which should be effectively taken over by the governments. The president said civilian administrations should be put in place in some of the areas.

According to him, it is only a matter of time before Galmadug and HirShabelle are pronounced Al-Shabaab-free, adding that similar expectations are expected in Southwest and Jubaland. The federal states forces, he said, will help also identify and flush out Al-Shabaab from the remaining parts.

Present in the meeting were Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Ahmed Madobe [Jubaland], Said Abdullahi Deni [Puntland], Ali Gudlawe [HirShabelle], Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen [Southwest], Ahmed Karie of Galmadug along with the Mayor of Mogadishu who doubles as Banadir Governor.

Milestone gains against Al-Shabaab have been lauded by visiting Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh who is in the country for official engagements and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has been visiting the Horn of Africa this week.

GAROWE ONLINE