US Pledges Support to Somalia in War Against Al-Shabaab Amid Transition Challenges

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has pledged support in the war against al-Shabaab, lauding significant progress by the government of Somalia in improving security situations within the Horn of Africa nation which is still struggling with instability.

Richard Riley, America's ambassador to Somalia, top Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi, Somalia's police chief, that Washington shall work closely with Mogadishu to improve the security welfare of the Horn of Africa nation, particularly the war against al-Shabaab.

The two sides particularly discussed efforts to address challenges posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group by enhancing the capability of the Somali police force and planning the transition of security responsibilities from the African Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to local police forces.

ATMIS is set for transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) which shall see a significant reduction in the number of peacekeepers as the local security teams take over responsibilities to guard the country.

Al-Shabaab is keen to destabilize the transition after losing huge swathes of rural central and southern regions following security operations conducted by the Somali National Army with the help of the US Africa Command and ATMIS.

Brigadier General Abdullahi highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism. He said Somalia is doubling efforts in security vulnerable regions within the country where Al-Shabaab is still a major threat.

Ambassador Riley at the same time reiterated the US’s total support for Somalia’s sovereignty and its commitment to aiding in the transition process as ATMIS phases out. This comes amid pressure from Ethiopia which is fighting for 20 kilometres of the access to the Red Sea through Somaliland..

Elsewhere, Major Carab Dheeg, a top commander of the U.S.-trained Danab Special Forces in Jubaland, criticized a government decision to promote soldiers who allegedly defected from the Jubaland regional state for political gains against Ahmed Madobe.

Dheeg described the move as unfortunate, noting that national army soldiers fighting on Al-Shabaab frontlines for many years have been overlooked for promotions. He condemned the action, saying it erodes the morale and trust of Somali National Army (SNA) troops

GAROWE ONLINE