Prior to his presidential election on May 12th, 2022, Dr. Hasan Sheikh Mahamud approached the Parliament for endorsement and made a pledge to end the activities of Al-Shabaab extremists and prioritize security and restoration of government agencies.
“Security is my top priority, with the aim of freeing the country from the grip of Al-Shabaab militants, allowing for the smooth flow of trade and uninhibited movement of people,” President Hassan stated.
The President reinforced his commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab by holding a meeting with all government leaders and heads of state from regional governments at the Presidential Palace. Following the meeting, it was decided that severe consequences would be imposed on extremist groups as the government made combating terrorism a priority.
“Just as every Somali has become a target for the Shabaab militants, every Shabaab member, army, and individual is now a target for us. We will not allow them to inflict harm or take any more lives. They will face bombing, combat, attack, pursuit, and every means of warfare will be employed against Al-Shabaab,” declared the President.
The President’s decision was swiftly executed, with direct military action taken against the strongholds of the extremists, with the collaboration of the national army and the people’s uprising forces undermining the power of Al-Shabaab’s devastating acts. “The name of Somalia has been reinstated, the name of the national defence force has been reinstated, and it is with gratitude that I acknowledge this. You have fulfilled your duty, and it deserves gratitude, appreciation, and recognition.”
The most arduous campaign took place in Hirshabelle, particularly in the region of Hiiraan, which was one of the toughest areas where the Khawaarij had been operating. The warfare resulted in significant casualties and resulted in the killing of many leaders and members of the Khawaarij who had been terrorizing those areas for years.
The Governor of the Hiiraan region, Ali Jeyte Osman, made a joyful speech at the time, regarding the defeat of the Khawaarij in the operations conducted against them. “By God, I swear to you, Shabaab is defeated, whether you live in cowardice or freedom, Shabaab is defeated, I’m telling you, it’s defeated, Shabaab is gone, don’t be afraid of anything, you don’t need to confirm.”
The Governor’s speech was addressed to the Somali people, some of whom were relieved of the fear of Al-shabaab militants who had taken their lives.
It is worth acknowledging that the theaters of conflict have been inundated with a multitude of individuals, who, with unwavering resolve, have been actively seeking to partake in the battle to purge the nation of the sinister Al-shabaab extremist faction, often at the expense of their personal assets and well-being.
Elders and traditional leaders were the prominent figures in the early fronts of the war, some of whom died in the effort to eliminate the Khawaarij from the people. “I am telling the Somali people everywhere to participate in the ongoing war, these people who have invaded the country, the people and the religion to unite and not listen to their words, their words are full of evil, I’m telling you, we are all in the same boat,” it is remembered of the late hero Elmi Hagar (The wise man who took the initiative to liberate the country from the Khawaarij Al-shabaab).
A resident of Gulane, which is located in the Aden-Yabal district, Hibaad Ali Dasar said, “We have been living as ordinary people in this village for eight years and paying rent, but the rent has increased and we have been told to bring our families, children, girls, and boys to fight for the khwarij. One of the leaders of the public uprising praised the federal government for supporting the fight against the Khawaarij.
The collaboration between the National Army and the local community has helped to clear Al-Shabaab militants from the districts and regions of the Hirshabeelle and Galmudug states. The Federal Government is now preparing for the second phase of the operation, which will begin in the regions under the control of Jubbaland and South West states.
The Government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud is based on accountability and performance, and has become one that listens to its people. The cornerstone of democracy is Somali citizens living in harmony and in good terms with the world, ”
By Abdiqani Abdullahi
