The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) recognizes tremendous gains made by its troops in an effort of liberating and pacifying Somalia from the Al-Qaeda’s affiliated jihadists, Al-Shabaab.
For nearly a decade the Al-Qaeda associates have terrorized innocent Somali populous waging deadly insurgency across the horn of Africa nation and spilling its attacks to other East Africa nations especially Kenya.
In the process, a number of AMISOM gallant soldiers have lost their lives in the battle zone. Despite suffering massive setbacks, AMISOM in support of the weak Federal Government of Somalia forces has managed to seize a number of strategic regions and towns killing and annihilating Shabaab Mujahideen militants in the process.
Concerted efforts from AMISOM troops has seen significant gains against Shabaab from across Somalia regions. For example, AMISOM operations in April this year saw Sabiid town, a strategic access point used by Shabaab militants in Lower Shabelle and Juba being liberated. Later, AMISOM sized Bariire town from the militants stemming down their economic gains from the town.
Some of the significant gains by AMISOM against the ragtag militia including thwarting recruitment of youths by the militants besides blocking illegal taxation in the two towns.
Somali Forces (SNA) have suffered huge losses in Awdheegle, a strategic town that Shabaab has used for years to assemble and launching deadly assaults against SNA bases in southern Somalia regions. With support of AMISOM troops drawn from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia Burundi and Djibouti, the AU forces has been able to foil several attacks. AMISOM has also been training SNA, preparing them to take over their country’s security when AU forces exits, possibly in 2021.
During his submissions at UN Security Council, UN envoy to Somalia, James Swan recently hailed AMISOM troops for their sacrifice and valor in fighting Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle as well as other regions of Somalia. The UN Panelist of Experts also revealed that Al-Shabaab still engages in illegal charcoal trade, taxation, besides being funded by businesses and Telecom companies in order to allow them do business in their perceived strongholds. The Panelist underscored that these activities are closely being monitored by International Community in collaboration with AMISOM partners.
