Somalia Says Army Making Gains Against Al-Shabaab Amid Security, Political Turmoil

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi says the country has made significant gains in the fight against Al-Shabaab, noting that the Somali National Army (SNA) is committed to taking control of some areas still under Al-Shabaab control.

While briefing the Council of Ministers, Fiqi lauded the national army for demonstrating both discipline and commitment in the fight against Al-Shabaab, adding that the team had coordinated well with international partners to restore stability.

He noted that recent offensives have disrupted militant networks and strengthened government control in newly liberated zones. The military has seized several towns associated with Al-Shabaab despite reported setbacks.

The military lost strategic towns of Moqokori, Adan Yabaal and Mahas towns, leading to the regional outcry about the government’s capacity to defeat Al-Shabaab, a group whose fortunes were on an upward trajectory.

The government of Somalia relies heavily on international partners, led by the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), who are instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

While Fiqi portrays a positive image, the opposition suspended planned protests against the government of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arguing that the Al-Shabaab could take advantage of the weak security in Mogadishu to initiate attacks.

Last week, the Al-Shabaab fighters forced their way into the Godka Jilacow prison, which is used by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to detain serial criminals. Breaching of the facility raised concerns from many quarters.

“We agreed to establish a joint security and coordination mechanism to ensure protesters can demonstrate safely and without interference. The government is expected to uphold citizens’ right to protest,” said Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, an opposition leader.

Opposition groups say the protest aims to condemn the displacement of civilians from government-owned land and to challenge the government’s political and electoral agenda. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has been accused of land grabbing.

GAROWE ONLINE