Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The Ethiopian military serving under the African Union force in Somalia is seeking to bolster its intelligence gathering ability to aggregate information from women in Somalia to help the fight against the Al-Qaeda linked militant group in Somalia.
As parts of the new campaign, the Ethiopian female military officers have held a meeting with local women in the town of Baidoa on Wednesday, asking for collaboration to advance efforts aimed at the stabilization of the horn of Africa nation where Al-Shabab continues to wage a deadly guerrilla war.
Gen. Yemane Gabre Mikael, the Ethiopian military commander in Somalia has urged Somali women to work closely with his army to prevent attacks by militants who carried out a deadly attack on the region’s administration headquarters in Baidoa early this year, killing at least 15 people.
“Your inputs, active engagements can make a big difference.” He told the Somali women at the meeting in Baidoa which was held under a tight security as hundreds of soldiers were deployed across the venue on Wednesday.
“We can only defeat Al-Shabab if we secure your collaboration.” He said.
Seeking the attention of the local women, the Ethiopian women who sat side by side with the local women and urged them to be active in information sharing with the military.
“Just like the other women in the world, the female Ethiopian military officers are involved in the coordination of different sectors to serve their people.” said one of the Ethiopian military women at the meeting.
“By the same token, the Somali women can work in politics and culture.” she said.
The development comes as Ethiopian military in Somalia is struggling to contain Al-Shabab’s guerrilla attacks in the regions under their control. Fighters from the group have carried out multiple ambushes against the troops in the past few months, killing scores of soldiers, according to Al-Shabab.
In addition, the Ethiopian military which is leading an offensive against Al-Shabab have also killed ‘hundreds’ of fighters, according to military officials.