Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
MOGADISHU, Somalia (HOL) -- Somalia's newly appointed prime minister has on Wednesday vowed to build up a strong national army that is capable of defeating the Al Qaeda-linked militants who still control large swaths of the countryside.
Flanked by the country's Defense Minister Abdihakin Mohamud Fiqi and other top level army officers, Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed visited the ministry of defense and addressed both soldiers and army commanders.
He lauded the army for being steadfast in the face of an enemy that has no respect for religion and human life.
"This year we will be the year to re-build the national army and eradicate extremist forces who strangle the public," said the premier in his speech, promising that soldiers will receive their pay regularly.
In his median speech after lawmakers approved his appointment last month, Mohamed vowed to build a real national army unlike the current one that has the appearance of militias.
It is not clear how the new prime minister will accomplish his pledge as attempts by previous governments to rebuild Somalia's army has come a cropper.
Rebuilding Somalia's security forces, who are now in a shambles and have structural and command problems, will be critical to the overall push to help Somalia climb out of decades-old chaos.
Somalia has had one of the best military force in Africa before warlords toppled the country's last central government.
The premier also visited the main training camp, Jazeera, which is in the capital Mogadishu, where he also met with new recruits, promising that his government will take care of their needs.
"I laud the sacrifices you have so far made to defend your country and your people. You are real national heroes, and the Somali people will not forget your sacrifices," he said.
Hiiraan Online English News Desk