Somalia appeals for support in its fight against al-Shabaab

Ahmed Adel

Somalia witnesses a rise in the frequency of terrorist operations, after a period of security stability.

This is why some people are calling for international intervention to support the country in its fight against al-Shabaab movement.

This international intervention, the same people say, will help Somalia start a new development phase in which the Somali people will enjoy calm and stability.

Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and his government are working to mobilize regional and international support to continue the war on al-Shabaab.

This comes after the Somali government succeeded in regaining control of large areas during the first stage of military operations.

Summit of neighbouring countries

Somalia sought to mobilize regional support for its war against al-Shabaab by hosting the summit of neighbouring countries, Djibouti, Kenya, and Ethiopia last February.

The summit aimed at developing strategic features for action to end the existence of the movement.

In late July, President Mohamud received US Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism, Brian E. Nelson, to discuss cooperation on the financial measures approved by Somalia to target the sources of financing of the terrorist movement.

International solidarity

Somalia needs the solidarity of the international community to prevent the return of terrorism, especially with the withdrawal of the African Union’s special forces.

Observers believe that strengthening security capabilities is an important element, which consists of training and equipping the security forces and providing them with modern weapons and technology to improve their ability to combat terrorism.

This also requires intelligence support, sharing and providing accurate information, and enhancing security cooperation between the countries concerned to combat the terrorist movement.

Somalia also needs assistance in strengthening the capacity of the government and institutions to support the construction and strengthening of institutions, including the judiciary and police, and to promote development to provide economic and humanitarian support to meet the needs of the people, including the provision of healthcare education, and jobs.

All these things have been done to strengthen the political process, support dialogue and negotiation, resolve internal conflicts peacefully, support democratic elections, in addition to combating smuggling and terrorist financing to strengthen regional and international cooperation in combating the flow of illegal trade and terrorism financing.