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Somali President Visits Ministry of Defense, Praises Military Successes, and Calls for Urgent Reforms to Strengthen National Security
On Thursday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited the Ministry of Defense in Mogadishu to assess the country’s current security situation and ongoing efforts to defeat the militant group Al-Shabaab. The visit is part of his wider campaign to evaluate the work of key government institutions, especially those involved in national defense and security.
During the visit, President Mohamud held a private meeting with top military and defense officials, including Defense Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, Army Commander General Odawaa Yusuf Rageh, and National Security Advisor Hussein Macalin. Other senior officials were also present. In the meeting, military leaders gave the President a detailed update on the country’s security status, recent progress in operations against Al-Shabaab, and future military plans.
The Somali army has had recent success in joint operations, killing more than 120 Al-Shabaab fighters in the past week alone. President Mohamud praised the armed forces for their bravery and dedication in these operations. He stressed that while the recent victories are promising, there is still much work to be done to ensure long-term peace and security in the country.
President Mohamud emphasized the importance of reforming and strengthening the Somali National Army. He said that the government is committed to providing the military with better training, modern equipment, and strong leadership. According to him, these improvements are necessary to ensure that the army is capable of fully defeating Al-Shabaab and protecting the Somali people.
“The reform and equipping of the Somali National Army is a national priority,” the President said. “Our commitment is unwavering in ensuring the army has the tools and leadership it needs to eradicate Al-Shabaab and protect our people.”
Military sources say that the army is planning new and more intense operations to target Al-Shabaab strongholds across various regions of the country. These regions include Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubbaland, and Southwest states. The goal is to gain more control of the territory and destroy the infrastructure that allows Al-Shabaab to operate.
President Mohamud’s visit also highlights his administration’s broader efforts to improve the performance of government institutions involved in security. The aim is to build a stronger, more capable defense system that can secure the country ahead of the upcoming national elections. This focus on security reform is seen as a key step toward long-term stability and peace in Somalia.
The visit comes at a critical time as Somalia continues to face threats from Al-Shabaab, a group that has caused violence and instability in the country for years. The President’s direct engagement with military leadership shows the government’s strong focus on security and its readiness to take bold steps to improve it.
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to the Ministry of Defense marks a renewed push to strengthen Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab. By focusing on reforms, training, and better equipment for the army, the government hopes to speed up the defeat of the militant group and move the country toward peace and stability.