MOGADISHU, Somalia – The former president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, has expressed his full support for the national army in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Farmajo praised the gains of the army in the war, calling on the people to stand by the efforts of re-liberating and bringing peace to Somalia which has been in conflict for more than 30 years.
The 9th president who is credited for rebuilding the army said that Al-Shabaab is an obstacle to the development of the country, so there is a need for a united front in the war.
Farmajo’s statement showing support for SNA came after a day ago President Hassan Sheikh who addressed the nation said that the current war will not stop until the final victory is achieved.
Despite gains, SNA withdrew at least five areas, including Eldher and Gal’ad in Galgadud region, allowing Al-Shabaab to make an east comeback. This dealt a blow to the operation.
In conjunction with clan militias, the national army has dislodged the Islamist insurgency Al-Shabaab from swathes of central Somalia, marking a breakthrough in the fifteen-year war. As its campaign proceeds, the Crisis Group urged Mogadishu to take steps to strengthen its hold on the territory it has retaken.
Starting in August 2022, the Somali government launched a fresh offensive against Al-Shabaab, capitalising on mounting discontent with the Islamist insurgency, particularly among the politically dominant Hawiye clan.
International forces, in particular the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) – which was rebranded as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in 2022 –, have led the fight with Al-Shabaab. In contrast, the new offensive is spearheaded by the Somali military, in conjunction with local clans.
