Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud indicated today, Tuesday, that "his country has one year to expel Al-Shabaab militants linked to Al-Qaeda from its territory, as the deadline for the withdrawal of African Union peacekeeping forces approaches in December 2024." In a speech at the Royal United Services Institute in London, he stated, "The focus is currently on uprooting the remnants of Al-Shabaab." He noted that "this mission has become more difficult due to the heavy floods that recently swept through Somalia, although they have hindered militants from planting landmines."
The final stage of the military campaign against the militants aims to advance into southern Somalia, the traditional stronghold of the militant group. The president described the progress as "encouraging," adding that there are currently no signs that Al-Shabaab leaders are seeking dialogue with the government. He said, "If that changes (the group's position and they enter into dialogue), we will change our stance... I believe this will end in dialogue... instead of killing, maiming, and chasing." He appealed to the international community to support Somalia in its military efforts, building state institutions, and providing essential services such as health and education, as well as reconstructing infrastructure.
