Friday August 18, 2023
Dhusamareb (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated his commitment to liberate the country from al-Shabaab militants by the end of 2023, as the government prepared a force of 20,000 Somali soldiers for a wide-ranging offensive against the armed group of al-Shabab.
During a televised question-and-answer session in Dhusamareb on Thursday night, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that this army represents the government's largest initiative to free the country from the grip of al-Shabaab. He emphasized that the international community's support bolsters their fight against the al-Qaeda-linked armed group.
"In the remaining months of this year, al-Shabaab will either be eradicated from Somalia, or they will be confined to a few isolated small areas where they can no longer pose a threat to the people and the government," declared President Hassan Sheikh.
President Mohamud emphasized that the government had made multiple attempts to engage in dialogue with al-Shabaab, all of which were rebuffed by the group. "Dialogue is not an option with these people now. Under my leadership, the Somali government has consistently extended an amnesty offer, and that offer still stands."
Regarding the ongoing liberation process, Mohamoud clarified that the first phase is currently underway, with the military focusing on regaining control of the Galhareri and Elbur districts in the Galgadud region. He confidently asserted that al-Shabaab's presence in Galmudug would be untenable once these two districts are liberated.
He identified the arms embargo as a significant impediment to eradicating al-Shabaab from the country. The President expressed his optimism that the world would ease the embargo on Somalia.
In an address to the United Nations Security Council last July, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud implored the council to lift the arms embargo on Somalia. He cited the government's implementation of robust measures to counter the illicit flow of arms, including legislation controlling firearm possession, manufacture, storage, and usage.
He noted the situation in Somalia had improved significantly, adding the Somalia of 2023 is not that of 1992 when the Security Council imposed the arms embargo.