Somalia: IIhan Omar lauds Gains in Large-scale Offensive Against Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Visiting Somali-born US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar says the country has made big strides in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, noting that the recent gains have restored order in the Horn of Africa nation and should be lauded by international partners.

At a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Ilhan Omar said the success against Al-Shabaab should not be taken for granted, adding that there is a need for the world to invest more in the country which has been struggling for stability in several decades.

Omar, who sits in the Foreign Relations Committee, noted that the US Africa Command has been working effectively with the Somali National Army [SNA] and other allies to restore peace and stability in Somalia, adding that such cooperation should be embraced all the time for smooth implementation of peace activities.

"Somalia has achieved so much within the last couple of years and we should all note this. It hasn't been easy but it looks like Al-Shabaab will finally fall. We are thankful for the tremendous efforts from those involved and I am sure victory will be announced very soon," said the firebrand Congresswoman.

"We must acknowledge that Somalia has been fighting to get the best and their efforts are eventually yielding fruits. We should not assume this because it is a big effort that should be appreciated. We hope that in the future, the monster called Al-Shabaab will be defeated for good," added the legislator.

Ilhan Omar has been touring East Africa for the last week on a trip that started in Nairobi. The Congresswoman lauded Kenya for standing with Somalia during difficult moments noting that there was a need for the two countries to continue working together for the sake of peace and development.

With Al-Shabaab significantly neutralized, she said, most legislators can now visit their constituencies and work for them unlike in the past when most of their transactions were being done in Mogadishu, the capital of the troubled Horn of Africa nation

The Federal and regional leaders are set to hold another round of meeting in Mogadishu amid an ongoing offensive against al-Shabaab, and political tension in Southwest. In addition to security and politics, the leaders are expected to discuss federalizing the justice system.

GAROWE ONLINE