As the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) draws down and is expected to exit from Somalia by the end of this year, entrusting its security mission to the Somalia Security Force (SSF), the al-Shabaab insurgent group has proven its presence by disrupting the peace and security of Somalia and the Somali people.
The recent attacks the terrorist group committed in Mogadishu, Somalia, signals an important message to the Horn countries and beyond. Al-Shabaab’s presence in the region has been causing significant peace, security and stability threats not only to Somalia but also to the Horn of Africa. As usual, the global community ought to act to invalidate the evil schemes of the terrorist.
The terrorist group, in its two horrific bomb blasts, carried out in the capital Mogadishu and Middle Shabelle region, a town located in the south-east of Somalia, claimed the lives of at least six people and wounded ten more persons. Following this, various actors condemn the heinous acts perpetrated by the insurgent group. Ethiopia, through its Foreign Affairs Ministry, also issued a statement denouncing the heinous attack of the al-Shabaab militants in the capital Mogadishu.
In fact, over the past several years, several activities have been carried out by regional and international actors such as the AU and the UN peacekeeping missions to counterattack terrorism. Ranging from drying up the financial sources of the terrorist group and freezing its assets to undertaking rigorous military operations, concerted efforts have been exerted to dismantle the militant group. As a result, it was possible to weaken the militant group and to pull out of its strongholds in Somalia.
Ethiopia’s role in this regard was immense. Standing by the side of the AU and UN peacekeeping operations, deploying peacekeeping troops, and countering the insurgents in Somalia, Ethiopia contributed meaningfully to the peace and security of Somalia. Not only that, it has also helped Somalia to move out of the quagmire of conflicts and reconstruct its government.
It is common knowledge that undertaking an effective fight against terrorism calls for a holistic approach. According to various sources, over the last two years al-Shabaab has regained territories that it had once pulled out by the united efforts of the Somali National Army and the AU and UN peacekeeping forces; and is now working with other militants to expand its occupations.
The recurrent and renewed attacks of the militants are telling what the future may bring to countries of the Horn, the region, and beyond if the militants are not dismantled and wiped out. It has also indicated how important is coordination and collaboration in the fight against al-Shabaab.
Ethiopia’s commitment to its neighboring countries is unwavering as maintaining peace, security and stability that are essential ingredients to ensure collective prosperity and safety for all citizens of the Horn of Africa. The case of Somalia will not be different while the al-Shabaab group remains a significant threat and endangers the peace and security of Somalia and the socio-economic aspirations of the Somali people.
In summary, as reiterated in its statement, Ethiopia remains steadfast in its solidarity with the people of Somalia in their struggle against terrorism. Historically, Ethiopia has effectively fulfilled its responsibilities throughout the Horn of Africa and will continue to uphold its commitment to mitigating the impacts of terrorism. It is important to recognize that the effects of terrorism extend beyond regional borders, influencing countries worldwide.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 2 OCTOBER 2024
