For the past decade, Somalia has been plagued by the presence of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which has unleashed a reign of terror and violence across the country, killing thousands of innocent people and hindering the country’s progress toward stability and development. However, since his election to power, the President of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has made it his mission to end the Al-Shabaab menace once and for all. To achieve this, he announced a multi-faceted approach that included psychological, financial, and military warfare against the group. The first phase of this campaign was launched in Hirshabeelle and Galmudug States, and was a resounding success, as Al-Shabaab was driven out of most parts of these States, resulting in the elimination of thousands of their fighters, including senior leaders. Now, the government and local forces are gearing up for the second and final phase of the campaign in Southwest and Jubbaland states
The people of Southwest State in Somalia have been living under the oppressive rule of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. The group has controlled many towns and roads within the state, making it difficult for locals to move freely and carry out their daily activities. However, with the recent announcement by the President of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, of the commencement of the second phase of the campaign to end the Al-Shabaab menace, there is renewed hope for the people of this region.
The second phase of the campaign against Al-Shabaab in Southwest State and Jubbaland State is set to be a multi-faceted approach that includes psychological, financial, and military measures. The success of the first phase of the campaign in Hirshabelle and Galmudug states, where Al-Shabaab was driven out of most parts, gives hope that the same can be achieved in Southwest State and Jubbaland State, the remaining states yet to be liberated.
One of the key components of the campaign is the mobilization of a large number of soldiers from the federal government and the state of Southwest. The soldiers are being massed up in Bakool region in Southwest State before their deployment. The soldiers will work alongside the locals who have mobilized themselves and are ready to join the fight to end the oppressive rule of Al-Shabaab.
The mobilization of the locals is a clear indication of their resilience and their willingness to cooperate with the government to bring lasting peace to the region. The locals have suffered greatly under the rule of Al-Shabaab, with many losing their loved ones and being forced to flee their homes. The liberation of Southwest State and Jubbaland State will not only bring an end to the insecurity and oppression faced by the people but also open up opportunities for development and growth.
Roads linking towns within the state have been inaccessible due to the insecurity posed by Al-Shabaab. This has had a significant impact on businesses and education, with many schools being forced to close down. However, with the liberation of the state, roads will become accessible, businesses will thrive, and education will be more accessible, leading to an improvement in the living standards of the people.
In addition to the military approach, the campaign against Al-Shabaab in Southwest State will also include psychological and financial measures. The government plans to counter the propaganda and messaging of Al-Shabaab and to promote positive messages of peace and unity. Financial measures will be put in place to choke off the group’s funding sources, making it harder for them to carry out their activities.
The commencement of the second phase of the campaign against Al-Shabaab in Southwest State gives hope for a brighter future for the people of the region. With the determination of the government and the support of the locals, it is expected that the region will soon be liberated from the grip of the terrorist group, leading to lasting peace and development. The liberation of Southwest State and Jubbaland State will not only benefit the people of the region but will also have a positive impact on the country as a whole, paving the way for progress and development
Source: Somali National News Agency