AU forces to boost coordination with Somali army as Al-Shabaab gains ground

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Forces have vowed to work closely with the Somali National Army (SNA) as part of the broader strategy to defeat the Al-Shabaab militants who have made gains in recent weeks.

Al-Shabaab fighters have managed to seize several strategic towns, including Moqokori, Adan Yabaal, and Mahas, but last week, the group suffered casualties in Barire, where they lost hundreds of fighters as they ceded control of the town.

Somalia's defence minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, held a strategic meeting with the AUSSOM meant to strengthen coordination and accelerate military operations against the militants, in the latest goodwill strategy to win the fight against the group.

The meeting brought together General Odowaa Yusuf Rage and AUSSOM boss Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene and other mission officials on Tuesday. Discussions focused on implementing Somalia’s security transition plan and doubling operations against the al-Qaeda-linked insurgents in multiple regions.

In his submission, Fiqi acknowledged the support from AUSSOM, which has kept the country intact in the middle of financial and political challenges, giving Al-Shabaab a head start in various battlefields. The militants are fighting to take over the government.

Ambassador Diene, who took up his post only days ago, pledged that the mission would “accelerate the fight against al-Shabaab and eliminate it from Somalia as a whole.” AUSSOM contributes about 11,000 soldiers to Somalia.

The victory in Barire showcases the ability of the international partners in helping Somalia to stabilise, Diene said, adding that the African Union will work closely with the Somali National Army in eradicating violent extremists in the country.

Al-Shabaab militants still control strategic areas in central and southern regions but have lost considerable ground since 2022. Somalia is also struggling with internal political feuds, which have threatened stability despite efforts from the international community to put the country on the right trajectory.

GAROWE ONLINE