Homegrown plan helping us fight Al-Shabaab, says Somalia president

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The local community in Somalia is playing an integral role in the elimination of the Al-Shabaab militants, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says, noting that over the last 15 months, the national army has made tremendous progress due to support from locals.

Homegrown plans, he said, have been adopted in combating Al-Shabaab, adding that the strategy has significantly weakened Al-Shabaab militants, whose influence in central and southern regions has nosedived due to local support.

"Somalia has taken a stance, in addressing security concerns by adopting a containment strategy to combat Al-Shabaab," said Hassan Sheikh.

"We’re actively working with the local community. Implementing a homegrown plan to gradually weaken and eliminate the threat posed by Al-Shabaab," he added while showcasing the progress made by the country over the last 15 months after winning his second term.

The president was speaking in New York during a security conference with the United Nations and major stakeholders, which just came a fortnight after the security council lifted the arms embargo imposed on the country. Lifting the ban enables Somalia to purchase sophisticated weapons, he says.

The local community has been fighting alongside the Somali National Army [SNA], the US Africa Command, and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. Jointly, the teams have liberated several strategic areas across Somalia within the stipulated period.

"To enhance security the FGS has been actively engaged in combating the Shabaab. With the support of community forces ATMIS and IC our forces have launched an operation aimed at weakening AS capabilities in line with the UN Security Council Resolution [UNSCR] 2628," he added.

The second phase of crackdown against Al-Shabaab is set to begin in Jubaland and Southwest states in the coming months. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been rallying behind locals to actively participate in the exercise to liberate the country from the jaws of the group.

For Somalia to take full security responsibilities, he said, there is a need for the international community to support rebuilding and equipping of the national army besides helping in reforming the police force. Somalia has been fighting instability for three decades.

GAROWE ONLINE