How Somalia can defeat Al-Shabaab fighters

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The next few months are crucial for Somalia, which is facing persistent disruptions from the Al-Shabaab militants, who have been fighting to topple the administration, which has clear support from members of the international community and other partners.

For the last 10 months, the country has multiplied its commitment to fighting the militants, with unconditional support from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], the US Africa Command and local militia further giving the Somali National Army [SNA] required backup in all frontlines.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president of the Horn of Africa nation, has been on the frontline pushing for the elimination of the militants through military operations. Apart from this approach, the country is also targeting Al-Shabaab's revenue sources with religious scholars also playing an important role in preaching against violent extremism.

And Mohamed Abdi Ware, the presidential advisor on civilian protection and stabilization, who also at some point served as HirShabelle's president, says the country is on the right path in the war. However, he recommends a few adjustments which he believes are necessary for Somalia to defeat the monster.

According to him, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud should now focus on "re-arranging clan leadership" arguing that "the government will support you only if you take the lead in freeing your territory". And, he adds, "You must put forward a credible plan of holding the liberated territories".

The president, he says, should also target cabinet and departmental purge for the war against Al-Shabaab to succeed. Over the last few days, Mohamed Abdi Ware has been going ballistic against Defence Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur without giving much details about the feud.

On the withdrawal of troops serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], Ware believes the government has not come out clear, arguing that there is a need for the country to decide whether it is supporting the withdrawal or asking for more time so that local security forces can take over.

"Re-engage the International Community on the timing and speed of the ATMIS drawdown. We are sending mixed and confusing signals: on the one hand, we are telling TCC countries, the troop drawdown must continue on schedule. On the other hand, we are appealing for urgent help in the current offensive," he says.

"Which one is it? I respectfully recommend you ask the Security Council, as a matter of National urgency, to postpone the September ATMIS drawdown and take stock of the whole project by commissioning an independent review to ensure the dear sacrifices of our African brothers and sisters were not in vain."

Already, at least 2,000 soldiers have been withdrawn from Somalia following strict implementation of the Somali Transition Plan [STP] and this month, at least 3,000 more troops are set to exit the mission. The anticipated exit comes at the time the country is preparing for the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently asked for support from Kenya, Djibouti and Ethiopia, calling for the deployment of non-ATMIS troops who will directly work under the command of the Somali National Army [SNA] for a period of three months. The government is yet to report on the commitment of these nations.

Currently, the Somali National Army is in central regions particularly the Galgaduud, Mudug and Hiiraan regions where they are combing of the areas following a successful first phase of operations. Once through, the troops are expected to move to Jubaland and Southwest states.

GAROWE ONLINE