Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that the war against Al-Shabaab may continue for some time, but there is no possibility of the group regaining overall control of the country.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, the President noted that Al-Shabaab previously had a vast presence across the country—even launching attacks from locations very close to the presidential palace—whereas today, the group is positioned hundreds of kilometers away from Mogadishu.
“This war may continue for a little longer, but there is no possibility of Al-Shabaab taking over the entire country again,” Hassan Sheikh said.
He pointed out that the security situation in Somalia has changed, arguing that progress has been made in the fight against Al-Shabaab compared to the time when the group held significant power in many parts of the country.
The President also ruled out the possibility of Somalia relapsing into civil war, inter-clan conflict, or political warfare.
“It is impossible for Al-Shabaab to make a comeback, and it is equally impossible for the country to slide back into civil war, inter-clan conflict, or political warfare,” the President said. The Somali President’s remarks come amidst concerns among some opposition politicians that if Somalis fail to resolve their internal disputes, it could provide an opportunity for Al-Shabaab to seize control of the country and cause the international community to turn its back on Somalia’s affairs after more than three decades of support.
