Somalia: Farmaajo calls for SNA support in Al-Shabaab war

Farmaajo failed to deliver his promises to defeat Al-Shabaab within two years after his election [File Photo]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has asked Somalis across the globe to support the Somali National Army [SNA] in the ongoing war against Al-shabaab militants until they are wiped out "immediately".

The Al-shabaab militants have continued to wreak havoc within and outside the borders of Somalia, mainly targeting innocent civilians, members of security forces and the senior government officials.

For almost 15 years, Al-shabaab militants have been keen to topple the fragile UN-backed Somalia administration domiciled in Mogadishu but the resistance from SNA and foreign troops mainly from AMISOM have kept the country going.

And Farmaajo, whose mandate expired in February this year, said SNA forces need support from the people for them to ensure Somalia is safe from a few remnants who have made it difficult for the country to gain the much needed stability.

"HE President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, further called for support for our heroic Armed Forces in their endless efforts to eradicate the remnants of Al Shabaab," Villa Somalia said in a statement on 4th anniversary of Mogadishu bombing.

SNA soldiers are set to take full responsibilities on matters security upon full implementation of the Somali Transition Plan [STP] after which the mission troops are set to leave the country after over a decade of service to Somalis.

However, the African Union recently proposed a joint mission with the United Nations, a move which has been vehemently opposed by the federal government of Somalia. The government wants a reconfigured AMISOM as agreed under STP.

Farmaajo also stated that the October 14th bombing in Mogadishu which left slightly over 700 people dead remains the worst in the history of Somalia. According to him, the 2017 incident will forever be remembered in Somalia.

“May Allah have mercy upon our martyrs of the 14th October bombing. They were our valuable citizens whose beautiful lives were cut short by the terrorists. “Whereas that incident left us with a deep pain, it showed us our unity as the Somali people and how we stand with each other at times of need.”

GAROWE ONLINE