DHUSAMAREB, Somalia – As Galmudug State is in the final stage of ending the war against Al-Shabaab, its president announced a state of emergency on Monday night.
President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qorqor, speaking at the celebration of the 17th anniversary of the establishment of the Galmudug, said the ministers and other officials will take up arms and join the fight against Al-Shabaab.
The president called on the people still under the control of the Al-Shabaab group to reduce their fear, saying that the time to free them is near as troops head to their areas.
“I am calling on the people to give up their fear, The victory is near, the National Army is approaching you and is ready to free you from the enemy, stay away from the enemy who has harassed you,” said President Qorqor.
Qorqor’s statement coincides with the mobilization led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Dhusamareb for the second phase of the war against Al-Shabaab as SNA is ending the first phase, which started in August 2022.
The government’s push marks a breakthrough in a war that has raged for more than fifteen years. Historically, overstretched Somali and partner forces have hunkered down in urban locales, while Al-Shabaab secured a firm foothold in rural areas.
