Jubbaland President expresses concerns about limited advancements in counter al-Shabab efforts in Galmudug
Monday August 28, 2023
In Dhusamareb, during the concluding event of the National Consultative Council on Sunday night, President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe of the Jubbaland regional administration expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the ongoing operations against al-Shabab in Galmudug State. He noted a significant disparity between the rhetoric surrounding the operations and the actual achievements on the ground. President Madobe expressed his surprise at the prolonged duration of the al-Shabab conflict in Galmudug.
“The government’s weapons are officially documented. If the conflict remains stagnant, the weapons will be rendered useless, granting a significant advantage to the al-Shabaab group,” stated President Ahmed Madobe.
Nevertheless, the Somali government forces have made substantial advancements by gaining control over crucial territories in the Galgadud region. Particularly noteworthy is their successful capture of the district of Elbur, approximately 400 kilometers (249 miles) north of the capital city, Mogadishu. The al-Shabab militants hastily retreated from the district.
Elbur, a stronghold for al-Shabab in the central Somali region of Galgaduud for almost ten years, falling into the hands of the government forces represents a significant setback for the extremist group.
Jubaland is among the regions where the Somali government and administration are preparing to launch the second phase of operations to liberate areas under the control of al-Shabab.
