Kenya and other troop-contributing countries (TCC) continue to make tremendous efforts in degrading the Somali-based Al-Shabaab militant group.
Underscoring this point, the Special Representative of the chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and head of AMISOM, Franscisco Caetano Jose Madeira, noted that Somalia is gradually setting up institutions to run her affairs following the AMISOM’s 10-year incursion against the Al-Qaeda (AQ) linked Al-Shabaab.
Madeira lauded AMISOM troops for their selfless and bravery despite the troops facing several difficulties and challenges.
We are moving with difficulties and challenges but with confidence that our mission is on track. We have made strides and we will prevail over Al-Shabaab, Madeira stressed.
For example, Somalia government had been operating from Kenyan capital, Nairobi but it is now operating from Mogadishu. Villa Somalia is not being attacked daily as it was the case some years back, an indicator AMISOM’s mission is being achieved.
Madeira cited other examples such as military bases and police headquarters and administrative offices in various regions of Somalia being established and fully working.
Mogadishu and other towns have repopulated and are being rebuilt while some of the universities are operating courtesy of AMISOM, SNA collaboration in gradual stabilizing Somalia.
Degradation of Al-Shabaab and pacification of the country by AMSIOM troops has also seen thousands of people do business and working in Somalia.
For example, the are more than 35,000 Kenyans are currently working, conducting businesses and living in Somalia following the pacification of the country by AMISOM troops, according to Kenyan Ambassador to Somalia Lucas.
“AMISOM has done well with the support of donors, there has been incremental change. A whole spectrum of things need to be improved. Today more than 80 per cent of the Somali people are returning home. I have the largest diaspora in Africa with 35,000 Kenyans living here. There are 18,000 living in Hargesia, 10,000 in Jubaland and 3,000 living in Mogadishu among others. I will not encourage Kenyans to invest in fear,” Maj Gen (Rtd) Tumbo said.
