Somalia PM Hamza Abdi Barre meets Farmajo in Qatar

DOHA, Qatar - Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre held a meeting with immediate former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed better known as Farmajo, amid an ongoing crackdown against Al-Shabaab in the country, which is enjoying multilateral support across the board.

The country has been pursuing the militants on all fronts for the last 10 months, making major gains in the process according to records by the government. Currently, the military is preparing for the second phase of operations against the militants who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions.

At Doha in Qatar, the two leaders discussed gains made in the war against the militants, with Farmajo reaffirming his "firm" support for the operations, which have seen his successor Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visit the frontlines to encourage and motivate the military.

"Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, paid a courtesy visit to former President Farmaajo at his residence in Doha, Qatar. They discussed political and security developments in the country including the ongoing offensive against terrorists," read the statement.

There have been conflicting opinions on the strategy used in fighting the militants but President Hassan Sheikh maintains his government has made "tremendous" milestones in taming the group, killing thousands in the process. About 3,000 militants were killed during the first phase of operations in Galmadug and HirShabelle states.

Last week, Farmajo supported the crackdown, urging Somalis to unite against the militants, who have derailed the rebuilding process of the Horn of Africa nation. He also asks Somalis to support the national army which is taking part in all frontlines.

"I call on every Somali citizen to support the struggle for the liberation of the country and participate in encouraging and raising the morale of the national heroes, as the unity of the army and the people is the key to
the success of the war against terrorism."

This call for unity comes at a critical juncture in Somali politics. The supporters of former President Farmajo's government and the current President Hassan Shiekh's government have been engaged in a heated debate on social media.

The contention primarily revolves around managing the war against Al-Shabaab, especially in the central regions of Somalia.

Critics from both sides have been blaming each other for perceived failures. At the same time, some voices in the discourse argue that the accusations against Villa Somalia are counterproductive and detrimental to the fight against Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE