President Mohamud Warns of Attempts to Derail War Against Al-Shabaab Through Clan Clashes

GOOBOOG NEWS/MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has warned of deliberate attempts to deviate government and public attention from the war against Al-Shabaab through a series of tribal clashes.

The President said that certain forces were fueling clan clashes to weaken efforts towards the war against Al-Shabaab and divert government resources to resolving the conflicts.

The president’s remarks followed renewed fighting in Luuq district of Gedo region which has resulted in deaths, destruction of property and displacements.

Similar clashes have been witnessed in central parts of the country in recent weeks.

He called on clan elders and local administrations to move in swiftly towards to end the clan feuds and focus on the war against Al-Shabaab.

Clan militias in central Somalia have been critical in providing support to the Somali National Army in the fight against Al-Shabaab.