The Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson disclosed that the support that the U.S. provides to Somalia in the long-term will be contingent upon how the Somali Federal Government will ensure political stability, strengthening the good-governance and the same time, will continue to make progress in the fight against terrorism.
In an interview he gave to NUSOJ General Secretary, Mr. Omar Faruq Osman, General Dagvin Anderson highlighted that the U.S. has not turned its back on Somalia, but bilateral cooperation needs a unified political leadership and tangible results on the security sector.
“If Somalia takes the lead and the government spearheads the efforts to ensure the security and state-building, the United States will continue its support, given the shared interests,” said Anderson.
He strongly warned that the protracted political dispute could undermine the cooperation between the two countries, stating that if there is no political stability, it will be hard for the U.S. to continue the level of support it provides to Somalia.
AFRICOM Commander, General Dagvin Anderson further revealed that the U.S. played a significant role in the establishment of Danab Commandos-an elite Special Forces unit of the Somali National Army known as Lighting Force.
He emphasized that Danab Commandos are among the top-notch military forces on the African continent. However, he said that the current Somali responsibility is to protect and develop its operational capabilities in order to lead the fight against Al-Shabab and ISIS.
Anderson further reiterated that it is significant that Somalia must make progress in terms of the fight against terrorism in a bid to ensure U.S. support and presence in Somalia. The remarks from General Dagvin Anderson come when Somalia is facing political challenges including electoral disputes while operations against Al-Shabab are ongoing.
