Somalia can only advance if Al-Shabaab are defeated, says PM Barre

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre says the country will not witness social-economic transformation if the Al-Shabaab militants continue to dominate large portions of the Horn of Africa nation, adding that defeating the militants is the priority of the current administration.

At the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Barre insisted the military must intensify the fight against Al-Shabaab, noting that liberation of several fronts would be a huge boost to the government, which is tirelessly working to restore the economic fortunes of the country.

Strengthening the Somali National Army, he added, would significantly improve the overall strategy, ahead of the planned exit of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. By December next year, a number of ATMIS soldiers would have Somalia.

"Our government's foremost priority is safeguarding the nation and rebuilding our armed forces. When we assumed office, we recognized that our country could not achieve progress until we removed al-Shabab," said Hamza Abdi Barre.

"Only then can we move forward with our plans. A nation plagued by terrorists who detonate bombs daily, taking hundreds of lives, cannot make economic and educational advancements," added the PM, who interacted with a number of military generals during the trip.

Already, a number of soldiers have undergone training with some assuming security responsibilities in Forward Operating Bases which were handed over by ATMIS in June. This month, over 3,000 soldiers attached to ATMIS are expected to leave Somalia in adherence to the Somali Transition Plan [STP].

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud defended the recent withdrawal of troops from various frontlines, maintaining that there was a change of strategy. Last week, the soldiers suffered massive losses in Cowsweyne village in Lower Shabelle, after Al-Shabaab militants ambushed them.

The government of Somalia has also invested in tracking and blocking Al-Shabaab's sources of revenue, which have sustained the group's activities across Somalia. The government has also collaborated with the clergy to help preach against violent extremism.

GAROWE ONLINE