Somali President warns of Al-Shabaab attacks during polls, appeals to Amisom for enhanced security
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has warned the militant group Al-Shabaab may seek to disrupt the upcoming polls calling on Amisom to step up its efforts to deter any attacks.
Speaking during a meeting with Amisom military and police commanders and Somali security chiefs, President Mohamud said the election period called for strong coordination between the forces and enhanced security surveillance in the country.
Noting that this year’s elections marked a turning point in Somalia’s history with 14,025 voters participating in the process, President Mohamud said nothing should be spared to secure the polls.
He also thanked Amisom troops and police for their unwavering support to Somalia while saluting the fallen soldiers and their families for the sacrifice towards peace and stability in Somalia.
“The best gift that a human being can give to another human being is life. There is nothing more precious than our lives. And this is what the Troop Contributing Countries and African boys and girls in uniform here in Somalia are giving. We have lost many brave men from different countries in Somalia and we have many orphans back home in the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs),” said Mohamud.
The Federal Indirect Elections Implementation Team announced Sunday the elections of the president will take place in October 30 while that of the Lower House will start from September 24th to October 10.
Members of the Upper House will be elected on September 25.