Al-Shabaab remains a threat to Somalia, the UN said
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The UN insists that al-Shabaab militants remain a major threat to the ongoing process of promoting peace, stability and development in Somalia, because they can carry out small to large sporadic attacks.
Al-Shabaab pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and has since carried out serious attacks on members of the security forces, senior officials and sometimes innocent civilians.
In its information to the UN Security Council [UNSC] on Tuesday, the UN special envoy to Somalia, James Swan, stated that the group still has the ability to launch complex attacks in the country, adding that there is a need to further dismantle them.
“The security situation remains a matter of serious concern. Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat, demonstrating its ability to plan and carry out complex attacks on a number of targets in Somalia. New events are described in more detail in the latest report from the Secretary-General,” he said.
“Suffice it to say that Al-Shabaab has shown both initiative and resilience in recent months. Somalia’s security forces and AMISOM’s activities are therefore still crucial to maintaining pressure on this group,” Swan added.
However, the combined military efforts have borne fruit, Swan noted, while praising the AU’s mission forces. [AMISOM] which has managed to liberate several cities in the country, which were previously under Al-Shabaab.
With the expected withdrawal of AMISOM troops approaching faster, Swan noted that the implementation of the Somali Transitional Plan [STP] has decreased due to the current election support, which has also confused the activities in the country.
“Some progress has been made in implementing the revised Somalia Transition Plan. Important developments include the handover of operational bases in Awdheegle and Barire to the Somali National Army by the end of 2020. In early April, these FOBs came under attack by Al-Shabaab, but Somali forces showed great courage and held their ground, he said.
“The pace of implementation of Somalia’s transitional plan has been affected by the ongoing political impasse. Major commitments are behind schedule, and significant efforts will be needed to accelerate progress.”
AMISOM’s mandate was extended until 31 December 2021 by the African Union Peace Council, which has followed up on progress in restoring peace in Somalia. It is also expected that the Somali army at that time would have taken on most of the security responsibilities.
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