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Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has reiterated his call for national unity in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, emphasizing the severe threat these groups pose to the security, lives, and property of Somali citizens. Speaking in Mogadishu, the Prime Minister highlighted terrorism as one of the country’s most pressing challenges and urged a collective effort to eradicate extremist elements.
Prime Minister Barre pointed out that a recent government investigation identified terrorism as a primary factor threatening Somalia’s stability and security. He stressed that the presence of extremist groups endangers not only individual lives but also the country’s overall development and future prospects. According to him, defeating terrorism requires unity, vigilance, and a coordinated approach involving all segments of Somali society.
In addition to the security threats posed by extremist groups, the Prime Minister warned about separatist ideologies, which he described as another major challenge to national unity. He emphasized the need for dialogue and collaboration among Somali intellectuals to find long-term solutions. Addressing a gathering of educators and policymakers, Barre called for their active participation in shaping policies that foster national cohesion and prevent divisive narratives from gaining traction.
Education was another focal point of the Prime Minister’s speech, as he outlined his administration’s commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education across the country. He stated that efforts are underway to enhance higher education institutions and provide Somali children with better educational opportunities. Barre stressed that investing in education is crucial to producing a highly skilled workforce capable of contributing to Somalia’s reconstruction and long-term development.
Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group, has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government and African Union forces since 2007. Despite sustained military operations and international support, the group continues to carry out deadly attacks and exert influence in various regions of Somalia. ISIS, though a smaller presence compared to Al-Shabaab, also poses a significant security challenge, particularly in parts of Puntland and other strategic areas.
Prime Minister Barre reassured the public that the government remains committed to its counterterrorism efforts and will continue working with international partners to eliminate the threat posed by these extremist groups. He emphasized that securing peace and stability requires a holistic approach that includes military operations, social interventions, and economic reforms.
The Somali government has made notable progress in reclaiming key territories from Al-Shabaab in recent years, with the support of African Union forces and allied militias. However, challenges remain as the group continues to adapt its tactics and carry out asymmetric attacks targeting government institutions, security forces, and civilians.
Barre’s administration has pledged to strengthen Somalia’s security infrastructure and improve intelligence-sharing mechanisms to counter the evolving threat of terrorism. The Prime Minister also called upon the Somali diaspora to play an active role in nation-building efforts, encouraging them to contribute their knowledge, resources, and expertise to help rebuild the country.
As Somalia continues to navigate complex security and political challenges, the government remains focused on fostering unity, resilience, and economic growth. Prime Minister Barre’s appeal for collective action against terrorism reflects a broader vision of a secure and prosperous Somalia, where all citizens can contribute to a brighter future.