Ethiopia’s Somali Region to Join Fight Against Al-Shabaab in Central Somalia 

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - The fight against Al-Shabaab within the Hiiraan region in Ethiopia can be won should the Somali regional forces from Ethiopia consider joining the war, Ali Jeyte Osman says, noting the growing insurgency in the region.

The former Hiiraan governor, now serving as Somalia’s presidential envoy for Mawisley militias, says the backup from Somali regional forces from Ethiopia could help communities in Hiiraan defeat the militants who continue to wreak havoc in the country.

Before his removal as Hiiraan governor, Osman was celebrated for recruiting and effectively pushing for the defeat of Al-Shabaab in various frontlines in the country. The al-Shabaab fighters had lost ground before regaining grounds in recent months.

At Jigjiga in the Somali region (Ogaden), Jeyte asked the regional administration of the Somali state to consider sending troops to Somalia for a 'mission-driven conflict'. Ethiopian troops are serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in Somalia.

“We didn’t come on a routine visit,” he said. “We left behind people who are bleeding—civilians from one clan who have endured nearly four years of war. They’ve sacrificed deeply.”

Early this month, the Somali region sent military supplies to the Hiiraan region as hardware for Mawisley militias. But Ali Jeyte Osman, whose stance against Al-shabaab is usually solid, said there was a need for quick intervention from the Somali state.

Jeyte thanked both the regional and federal governments of Ethiopia for their past and ongoing cooperation. “You’ve supported us before, and we’re grateful,” he said. “But the situation is more urgent now.”

Jeyte urged residents of Ethiopia’s Somali region to contribute to stability on both sides of the border for the purpose of sustainability in Somalia and Ethiopia. “Help your brothers where you can,” he said. “And work with your local government to maintain peace.”

GAROWE ONLINE