The National Security Council met today, chaired by His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by H.E Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, government ministers and senior military and security officials to discuss the ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab and government stabilisation plans.
Speaking after the National Security Council meeting Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, said:
“I want to thank and praise the bravery of the Somali National Army and our AMISOM brothers in their successful fight against Al-Shabaab. The Somali people have welcomed the forces with open arms and I urge them to continue to support and work with the forces in securing newly liberated areas.
“It is only right to pay tribute and send my condolences to those injured and killed in last night’s attack in Bula Burde. This is a reminder that despite the achievements of our forces over the past two weeks we can never be complacent or rest until Al-Shabaab is eradicated from Somalia. We will not cease our operations till all of Somalia and all Somalis are free from the horror and oppression of Al-Shabaab.
“We are winning the war and now is the time for Al-Shabaab to renounce violence.”
Security Council discussed the stabilization and urgent requirements of liberated towns: “right now there is a critical need for food aid to be delivered to those affected by the fighting, with many businesses and traders destroyed or forced out by Al-Shabaab. The government has started food convoys to deliver aid to the most vulnerable but we do not have the capacity to be able to support the large numbers in need. We are appealing to the international community for assistance in providing food aid,” the Prime Minister said.
The National Security Council was also attended by Minister of Defence, Mohamed Sheikh Hassan; Interior Minister, Abdullahi Godah Barre; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Duale Beyle; Commander of Defence Forces, General Elmi and Chief of Police, General Saciid.
