President Mohamud Calls for Public Support in Anti-Al-Shabaab Campaign

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reiterated his call for public support in the fight against Al-Shabaab as the anti-terror offensive gains momentum in central region of Galmudug.

Speaking during a discussion on X Spaces on Friday night, which brought together former government officials, Mohamud underscored the importance of involving citizens in the ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab.

He mentioned that the government cannot solely rely on the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to defeat the group, as they are not inclined to engage in a full-scale war against it.

“We have decided to seek the support of the public in this fight instead of relying on AMISOM (now known as ATMIS),” Mohamud stated. “We have mobilized our forces, and the citizens and the public have filled the position of AMISOM.”

Mohamud emphasized that without defeating or significantly reducing the capabilities and threat of Al-Shabaab, Somalia cannot progress in terms of state-building and development.

“This is not the time for politics and politicking,” the president said, highlighting that the current situation demands unity and a focus on national security and stability.

The president, who has been stationed in Dhusamareb in recent weeks to oversee offensive operations in Galmudug, is planning to move to Mahas in HirShabelle state to garner support for the completion of anti-terrorism operations in the central regions.

This statement comes after government forces faced a significant setback in Owswayne Village last week due to an attack by Al-Shabaab.