New army boss pledges to bolster war against Al-Shabaab ahead of Amisom exit

The newly appointed chief of defense forces Major General Abdiweli Jama Hussein has pledged collaboration with the Amisom forces to ensure stability of the country ahead of withdrawal of the African Union troops who have been in the country for the last ten years.

Speaking in a meeting with Amisom Force Comander Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh, Maj. Gen Hussein said the eradication of Al-Shabaab was critical to ensuring a smooth exit of the forces whose pull out will also be based on the prevailing situation in the country.

“As time approaches for AMISOM to exit, we will continue to work hard together with AMISOM so that the SNA can assume responsibility for the security of the country and we will say thank you,” he stated, while stressing the need to eradicate Al-Shabaab to pave way for a smooth AMISOM exit.

On his part, Gen. Soubagleh said his troops were committed to stabilizing the country before they exit while hailing Gen. Hussein’s appointment as the new army chief.

“Your appointment comes at a time when the focus is on beginning the exit of AMISOM from Somalia and handover to the Somali National Security Forces,” said Gen. Soubagleh, adding, “As AMISOM we remain committed to supporting the Somali National Army whenever needed, within the available means to ensure a smooth transition.”

Gen. Hussein was appointed new army boss this month following the resignation of his predecessor Gen. Ahmed Jimaale Irfid. Defense minister Abdirashi Mohamed also resigned the same day with Irfid.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution August to allow the withdrawal of the first 500 troops under Amisom December this year followed by another 1000 by October 30, 2018. The exit, the Security Council said could be accelerated taking into account the capabilities of the Somali forces.