The United States pledged again to offer humanitarian support and fight against the extremists Al-Shabaab to the Federal Government of Somalia. It will be a boost for the Horn of Africa nation that has been faced by a severe drought for years besides being destabilized by Al-Shabaab insurgency.
According to the US ambassador to Somalia Larry Andre, Washington will continue to support Somalia handle the humanitarian crisis and at the same time combat the menace perpetrated by the Al-Qaeda associated Al-Shabaab, noting the new government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has shown optimism.
The ambassador reiterated the US commitment to promote security and ensure the people of Somalia realize peace denied especially by the extremists Al-Shabaab. He noted that humanitarian support and combating Al-Shabaab will be the United States government priorities as an ally of Somalia.
The US continue to be the largest provider of humanitarian support to Somalia, with last year figures indicating that the U.S. provided approximately $430 million for humanitarian assistance and $210 million specifically for food assistance to the Horn of Africa country, which is in the grip of a severe, multi-year drought.
Notably, besides provision of humanitarian support, US has assured to continue supporting, training and equipping Somalia’s Elite Forces better known as Danab Special Forces. The forces supported by US and ATMIS forces have been instrumental in combating Al-Shabaab.
US President Joe Biden also announced the redeployment of US forces to Somalia citing Former President Donald Trump had removed the troops from the war-torn nation.
The ambassador also noted that his government will pursue strategies that will be aimed at “eliminating” the Al-Qaeda-linked group. US policy will be based not only on military action but also on “taking back” the narrative of Islam from Al-Shabaab besides shutting down their sources of revenue.
