African Union Pledges Support For Somalia Amid Security, Political Turmoil

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union (AU) has pledged deep support for the federal government of Somalia throughout the transition period, noting that the country has made steady progress despite numerous challenges during the state-building journey.

Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the new AU envoy to Somalia, told Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre that the African Union would ensure deep cooperation in security operations and nation-building, adding that the country was on the right track.

African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is helping the Somali National Army (SNA) fight the al-Shabaab militants who dominate most parts of central and southern regions.

And AUSSOM says it will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the militants are defeated as the country pushes for transferring security responsibilities to local troops. AUSSOM has started the drawdown of its troops in Somalia.

“The Somali government is making steady progress, and AUSSOM stands ready to reinforce this momentum,” Ambassador Diene said during the talks, which were also attended by his deputy, Mouktar Ousman Karie.

Prime Minister Hamza emphasized the critical role of African Union forces in stabilizing newly liberated areas and underlined Somalia’s determination to lead its security strategy. Both AUSSOM and SNA are conducting joint operations.

Although the team has made some significant gains, the recent events have raised concerns about the preparedness of the national army after the Al-Shabaab retook strategic towns of Adan Yabaal, Moqokori, Gumare, and Mahas, dealing the local forces a major blow..

Critics argue that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is only concerned with a power grab through constitutional changes, adding that he has done little to fight the militants. The al-Shabaab fighters are said to be pushing towards the capital, Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE