Somalia: I am facing endless death threats over Al-Shabaab war, says president

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh says he has been facing endless death threats after activating the fight against Al-Shabaab militants across the country, noting that strangers have been writing him weird messages meant to tame him from rallying for the elimination of the group which is still dominant in Somalia.

At Mahas in the Hiiraan region, Hassan Sheikh, who wore a military fatigued throughout the trip, narrated incidents where unknown individuals have threatened him and his safety at large, with some predicting that he could poisoned or assassinated by suicide bombers.

The president further noted that there are some people who believe his helicopter could be brought down due to his hard stance on the fight against Al-Shabaab militants. However, he noted, that he will continue supporting the right course, adding that he doesn't believe that Al-Shabaab can kill him.

"I'm told every day, that there is a car bomb on your way, you will be poisoned, the helicopter you are on will be shot down, don't leave, don't go anywhere if you see the last message, I received, you will be surprised," Hassan Sheikh, who is serving his second term, told the soldiers in Mahas.

"I believe that Al-Shabaab cannot kill me, and Allah told us that, no one will pass his day," added the president, who has revived the fight against Al-Shabaab militants across the Horn of Africa nation, which is struggling for stability for the last couple of years.

For the last 10 months, Somalia has increased the intensity of the war against Al-Shabaab, liberating several towns in the process. To further dislodge the militants, the Somali National Army has retreated to HirShabelle and Galmadug states to combing, following a successful first phase of operations.

The president revealed that a number of soldiers who abandoned frontlines following unprecedented defeats in Cawsweyne and Gal'ad towns will be subjected to military courts for trial. The soldiers abandoned their operating bases after the militants ran over them, killing dozens of them.

Generally, the president is optimistic that the group will be defeated, adding that suffocating them financially by blocking revenue collection channels, would be a major milestone.

Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to overthrow the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia which is now focusing on Jubaland and Southwest for more intensive operations.

GAROWE ONLINE