MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – The United Nations has warned that Somalia al-Shabaab is posing a serious security threat and made a renewed appeal to Somali government to end the group’s threat.
Addressing the UN Security Council on Monday evening, UN envoy in Somalia, James Swan stated that Al-Shabaab continues to pose the primary threat to the security of the country.
“Al-Shabaab has increased its operational tempo since August 2020, and the beginning of 2021 has seen a new peak in the number of attacks, including more Person-Borne and Vehicle-Borne IEDs, targeting government officials and key figures in Somali society,” the envoy said.
Swan told the council that important military gains were made by Somali Security Forces backed by AMISOM in the Lower Shabelle region in early 2019 and again in early 2020, and these are now being consolidated to enable further progress against Al Shabaab in other areas.
According to the envoy, UNSOS has remained steadfast in delivery of support to AMISOM and eligible Somali forces throughout this period, despite the complications of the COVID pandemic.
On the issue of AMISOM withdrawal, Swan said a preparatory work has been completed to advance the security transition in Somalia in 2021, as requested by this Council.
“The Federal Government organised meetings of the Security and Justice Committee as well as the Somalia Partnership Forum in early December – thereby advancing the Comprehensive Approach to Security and the Mutual Accountability Framework,” he noted.
The envoy encouraged the Government to continue these efforts, and to hold the Force Generation Conference announced by the Prime Minister as soon as possible.
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