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Somalia’s top defense officials and the head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have agreed to step up joint military operations aimed at defeating the al-Shabaab militant group.
On Monday, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi and Somali National Army (SNA) Commander Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage met with AUSSOM head Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene and senior mission officials in Mogadishu. The discussions focused on boosting coordination between Somali forces and African Union troops, implementing Somalia’s security transition plan, and intensifying the fight against al-Shabaab in several regions across the country.
Fiqi expressed gratitude for AUSSOM’s continued support in Somalia’s security and stabilization efforts, describing the partnership as vital for the country’s progress. Ambassador Diene, who assumed his role only a few days ago, pledged that the mission would move quickly to strengthen joint efforts. “We will accelerate the fight against al-Shabaab and eliminate the threat from Somalia entirely,” he said.
The meeting took place shortly after Somali forces, supported by Ugandan troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), recaptured the strategic town of Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region. The operation was part of an ongoing military campaign aimed at reclaiming key territories from the militants and cutting off their operational strongholds.
A Long-Running Conflict
Al-Shabaab, an armed group affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been carrying out attacks in Somalia since 2007. The group’s campaign has included suicide bombings, targeted assassinations, and armed assaults against government forces, African Union troops, and civilians. Over the years, these attacks have caused thousands of deaths and displaced large numbers of people, creating widespread insecurity and humanitarian challenges.
Despite years of military pressure, al-Shabaab has managed to maintain influence in rural parts of Somalia, from where it launches attacks on both security forces and major urban centers. The Somali government, with the backing of African Union missions, has been working to weaken the group’s control, dismantle its networks, and restore government authority in liberated areas.
Security Transition in Progress
Somalia is currently in the middle of a security transition plan, which aims to gradually shift security responsibilities from African Union peacekeepers to Somali forces. This process involves building the capacity of the Somali National Army and other security agencies so they can independently secure the country against threats.
The recent meeting in Mogadishu highlighted the urgency of this transition. Both Somali and AUSSOM leaders agreed that the best way to ensure a smooth handover is to intensify joint military operations against al-Shabaab, remove the group from its remaining strongholds, and stabilize recaptured territories so that communities can rebuild.
Ambassador Diene emphasized that AUSSOM’s mission goes beyond combat. “We are committed to helping Somalia achieve lasting stability,” he said. This includes supporting local governance, promoting reconciliation, and helping communities recover from the effects of conflict.
Focus on Coordination and Results
Military analysts say the effectiveness of Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab depends heavily on coordination between the national army and African Union forces. Past operations have sometimes suffered from gaps in communication and planning, which allowed the militants to regroup or retake lost ground. By strengthening coordination, Somali and AU leaders hope to maintain pressure on the insurgents and prevent them from regaining momentum.
The recapture of Bariire is being seen as a significant victory for Somali forces, as the town has long been a base for al-Shabaab operations in the Lower Shabelle region. Government officials say the next phase of operations will target other strategic locations to further weaken the group’s presence in southern and central Somalia.
A Shared Goal
For Somalia’s leaders and their African Union partners, the goal is clear: to restore peace and security so that Somali citizens can live without fear of violence. The renewed commitment from both sides signals a determination to bring the conflict to an end, though officials acknowledge that the fight will not be easy.
With AUSSOM’s new leadership promising to move quickly, and Somali forces showing increased determination on the battlefield, both sides hope the coming months will mark a turning point in the long struggle against al-Shabaab.