In a move aimed at intensifying the fight against the Alshabaab group, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has departed from Dhusamareb in Galmudug state to establish a new command center in Mahas district.
The President has been leading the war effort from Dhusamareb for nearly a month, overseeing operations in the Mudug and Galgadud regions. However, his relocation to Mahas district signifies a strategic step forward in the ongoing battle against the militant organization.
Located approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Dhusamareb in the Hiiraan region, Mahas district holds significant importance due to its proximity to key towns like El Buur and Wabho.
These towns have recently been liberated from the control of Al-Shabaab, underscoring the critical nature of the President’s decision to establish his new command center in this region.
During his stay in Dhusamareb, President Mohamud engaged in a series of talks and meetings with various stakeholders. He held discussions with local elders, convened a consultative meeting with leaders from federal member states, the mayor of Mogadishu, politicians, and members of the public. These interactions provided an opportunity for individuals to ask the President questions and voice their concerns.
The head of the state met with foreign dignitaries in Dhusamareb, including the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Tina Intelman, and the UN Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Atul Khare.
These diplomatic engagements underlined the international community’s support for Somalia’s efforts in countering Alshabaab and stabilizing the region.
Upon his arrival in Mahas, the President was greeted by a delegation consisting of ministers, Members of Parliament, and the former governor of Hiiraan region, Ali Jeyte. Jeyte played a vital role in leading the war effort in the region from July of last year until his recent dismissal.
The presence of experienced individuals like Jeyte in Mahas signifies the commitment to a coordinated and sustained effort in dismantling Al-Shabaab’s infrastructure and diminishing its influence in the region.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made it clear that military operations against Al-Shabaab will not cease until Somalia achieves “final victory.”
Under his leadership, the government has intensified its fight against the militant group, resulting in significant victories. Notably, a mid-level Al-Shabaab official, Nur Abdullahi Maalinguur, also known as Nur Deeq, surrendered to government forces near the town of Wisil in the Mudug region last week.
The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, confirmed the surrender and highlighted the government’s successes in liberating villages and towns from Al-Shabaab control.
Hundreds of militants have been neutralized during these operations, further weakening the group’s hold on the region.
As President Mohamud establishes his new command center in Mahas, expectations are high for a continued and coordinated effort to eradicate Al-Shabaab’s presence and restore peace and stability to Somalia.
