AU envoy calls Somalis work with AU and SNA forces in efforts to flush out Al-Shabaab

Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Francisco Madeira on Wednesday called on Somalis to collaborate with SNA and UA peace-keeping troops in their efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab militants in the country.

In a statement issued in Mogadishu, Madeira called on the Somalis to work together with the Federal Government and the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to “help the country overcome its present predicament and achieve peace and stability.”

Madeira noted that AMISOM forces had made gains that are helping secure Somalia.

“Together with the Somali National Army, they (AMISOM) have pushed Al-Shabaab, the jihadist insurgency group, from all key towns in Somalia,” he said, noting that despite the challenges, Somalia’s future is “surely bright”.

He added “AMISOM is working with the Somali government in strengthening state institutions as well as empowering the Somali security forces to take over the security responsibility of Somalia.

Mandeira said the forthcoming elections in Somalia later this year will be a major step forward in the political transformation of the country.

“AMISOM and the international partners will continue supporting Somalia in its effort to achieve the dividends of peace and universal suffrage by 2020,” he said.