Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants have intensified their agenda in Somalia, further derailing efforts to stabilize the country which has been struggling with instability for decades despite deliberate efforts to restore peace in the country.

For almost 32 years, Somalia has been entangled in internal conflicts and violent extremism, further derailing attempts to establish a stable government, even with absolute support from members of the International Community.

For the last two weeks, the country has registered four deadly attacks, mainly targeting senior government officials, military officers, and at times, innocent civilians. Last week’s attack in Mogadishu left eight people dead and several injured.

Early this week, the militants targeted government spokesperson Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, who also doubles as senior media advisor of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. He has since been airlifted to Turkey for treatment.

The attack against Moalimuu comes amid sharp divisions between outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and PM Roble. The two have been wrangling over elections and security of the country. 

On Tuesday, another attack north of Aden Adde International Airport left at least five people dead near a tea shop in Mogadishu. The militants claimed responsibility, arguing that they targeted Turkish-trained GorGor troops.

The level of insecurity has raised concerns about the state of preparedness for the Somali National Army, fighting to get security responsibilities from African Union Mission Forces in Somalia.

Currently, the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union are in talks over the future of AMISOM whose mandate is set to expire on March 2022. The AU wants a joint mission with UN in Somalia but the federal government had expressed reservations. 

GAROWE ONLINE