Hiiraan Online
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Francisco Madeira , Special Representative of the African Union for Somalia and head of the AU mission in Somalia - Photo: AU Peace & Security
MOGADISHU (HOL) – An African Union official has called for the Somali government to concentrate rebuilding the national army to save the country from threats posed by militants and take over security from the African Union forces once their mandate expires.
Once mighty, Somalia’s army destroyed by decades old conflict is rebuilding on the backdrop of the rising power of the Al-Shabab group which continue to carry out attacks across the country.
“The government of Somalia and people remember the problems earlier faced by their country, therefore rebuilding Somali army is key to eliminate terrorism and restore peace.” said Francisco Madeira, the African Union special representative of Somalia and head of the AU mission at a security meeting attended top Somali and African Union army chiefs in Mogadishu last week.
He also called for coordination between Somali and African Union forces to fight Al Shabab more effectively in Somali, stressing that peace would return Somalia once a capable army is built.
Somalia’s government heavily relies on the protection of the African Union forces as the country’s fresh army, made up of former militiamen and new recruits are still unable to assume the country’s security.
The horn of Africa nation which is recovering from decades of war is struggling to defeat the Al-Qaeda linked Al Shabab group which continues guerrilla attacks across.