We are defeating Al-Shabaab, President Mohamud says

GOOBJOOG NEWS|DJIBOUTI: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said his admininstration was on course to winning the war against Al-Shabaab.

Speaking at the conclusion of the Heritage Forum for Ideas in Djibouti, President Mohamud said the Somali National Army in collaboration with clan militia dubbed Community Defence Forces had made significant gains in the last few months.

“The National Army and the Somali people have achieved important victories in the war against the Khawarij, the last one was in Adan Yabale district where our people were suffering but today is free. Al-Shabaab has been defeated in direct combat,” President Mohamud said.

The President’s remarks come barely two days after SNA and CDF dislodged Al-Shabaab from Adan Yabal, a stronghold in the Middle Shabelle region.

The government launched a campaign against Al-Shabaab in July and with the support of clan militia in central Somalia, has liberated several towns and villages.

Analysts however warn that a deliberate stabilisation plan must be put in place to ensure the newly liberated areas do not fall in the hands of Al-Shabaab again.