Somalia on right track in Al-Shabaab war, AU says

Al-Shabaab fighters controlled Mogadishu until 2011 when they were pushed out by the AU force [Getty- archive]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has made significant steps in defeating Al-Shabaab militants, the African Union [AU] has said, with the country now planning to activate the second phase of operations which will cover parts of Jubaland and Southwest states.

According to AU, Somali has showcased competence in collaborating with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], the US Africa Command, and local militia in tackling the Al-Shabaab menace, adding that it is "just a matter of time" before the militants are defeated.

ATMIS has already started the gradual withdrawal of forces from Somalia, with the first batch of 2,000 soldiers leaving in June 2023. It is expected that an additional 3000 soldiers will be leaving Somalia by September this year as the drawdown continues.

However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has hinted that a number of non-ATMIS soldiers from Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia will be arriving for three months where they will work under the command of the Somali National Army [SNA] for three months. The soldiers will participate in operations around Jubaland and Southwest states.

Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe has started holding meetings with stakeholders who will be directly involved in the crackdown, adding that the operation will "define the future" of Somalia. The second phase has been termed the final assault on the militants.

Last week, US Africa Command conducted three airstrikes near Afmadow town in Lower Jubba which targeted senior Al-Shabaab leaders. The US Army has also pledged to participate in the second phase of operations while promising to help combat troops withstand Al-Shabaab pressure.

In Hiiraan, Governor designate, Abdullahi Ahmed Maalin Sufurow, announced the resumption of anti-al Shabab operations in the region on Monday. He replaced Ali Jeyte Osman, the man who was linked to serious clan mobilization against Al-Shabaab militants during the first phase of operations.

The African Union has been supportive of activities against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, working closely with members of the international community like the European Union and the United Nations. It is believed that Al-Shabaab has close to 7,000 active members who have been fighting.

Further, the federal government of Somalia has also targeted Al-Shabaab sources of revenue, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warning those who have been remitting taxes to the militants. It is projected that the group makes up to $120 million annually through extortion.

GAROWE ONLINE