Somalia: President reveals Al-Shabaab’s strategy to divide and infiltrate local communities

Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has revealed that Al-Shabaab militants have developed a new tactic of dividing and infiltrating local communities. This strategy could potentially hinder efforts to combat the militants, who have been responsible for destabilizing the country. During a meeting with Galmadug President Ahmed Kaliye and various traditional elders, President Hassan Sheikh emphasized the importance of close collaboration between local leadership and residents in the fight against violent extremism. He highlighted how the terrorists have negatively impacted the local economy and emphasized the need for resilience and commitment to overcome these challenges. The traditional elders praised the strategy of conducting sustained military operations on all fronts to defeat the militants.

The state media reports that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab control with the traditional elders of Galmudug and President Qoor-Qoor. He emphasized that the terrorists’ plan to divide and infiltrate locals is hindering societal progress and development in Galmudug and the entire country. The traditional elders expressed their gratitude for President Mohamud’s dedication to liberating these areas and ensuring a progressive and peaceful Somalia.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud relocated to Galmadug to support the ongoing operations against the militants, following the conclusion of the first phase of operations. The current operations aim to clear areas where the militants have not been eliminated during the initial phase. Once these areas are cleared, the Somali National Army (SNA), the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and the US Africa Command will shift their focus to Jubaland and the Southwest states of Somalia. The military has already started mobilizing teams across the country for the second and potentially final assault on the group.

In addition to military actions, Somalia has been targeting the group’s sources of revenue by imposing sanctions on mobile money transfer firms and closing bank accounts associated with the militants. This strategy has proven effective thus far, as stated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.