Amisom urges patience and cooperation as Shabaab offensive starts

If you see bombs blasting here in Mogadishu, don’t worry because we are dealing with an invisible enemy

Amisom chief Francisco Madeira has called for patience and support across the country as the allied forces mount a major offensive against the militant group Al-Shabaab noting the operations may cause inconveniences.

Madeira told journalists Monday the joint offensive with Somali security forces called for support from Somalis and unity between the federal government and international partners.

“We also appeal for unity among the Somali people, federal and the regional states and all partners helping Somalia, stand again in its feet,” Madeira said adding all resources available must not be spared to win the war against Al-Shabaab.

“We must consolidate whatever skills, knowledge and assets we can gather to ensure we take on the terrorists as one united force. Every citizen has a role to play in the effort to ensure Somalia is pacified and freed from all elements of terror.”

Amisom forces began a major operation this past week in Lower Shabelle region in what it said will be a long drawn offensive to defeat Al-Shabaab countrywide even as the Mission aims at cutting its troops by 1000 end year.

Madeira observed the offensive will cause inconveniences in the city and elsewhere but asked Somalis to cooperate to ensure the country is pacified. We must bury Al-Shabaab, Madeira reiterated.

“We are going to fight A-Shabaab in all fronts. If you see bombs blasting here in Mogadishu, don’t worry because we are dealing with an invisible enemy. And it has infiltrated some of these places but this is going to be stopped,” Madeira said.

The Amisom chief added, “We are going to seal the city together with the mayor of Mogadishu and we are going as much as we can to cordon and search all places. So whatever disturbances we may cause to the residents of Mogadishu and elsewhere, we ask you to understand our efforts. Collaborate with the government and Amisom.”

Noting that exit timelines are bound by UN Security Council Resolution 2372, Madeira said, “Our draw-down and transition must be gradual, conditions based, responsible and done in a manner that does not compromise the safety and security for the Somali people and will be able to hold and maintain the gains that we have accumulated over the years together.”

The draw-down will be done in all sectors, Madeira noted.

Madeira’s remarks follow the conclusion of a National Security Council last week which approved an offensive against Al-Shabaab. The Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders said they agreed to jointly fight Al-Shabaab.

President Mohamed Farmaajo has pledged to avenge the deaths of over 400 people killed in twin attacks October in Mogadishu laying blame on Al-Shabaab.

Madeira said his troops will work with the government in delivering a peaceful and stable Somalia.