Addis Ababa, 23 October 2014 (WIC) – Ambassador of Somalia to Ethiopia, Abdisalam Mohamed said that al-shabaab is no longer a serious threat to the peace and security of Somalia.

In an exclusive interview with WIC, Ambassador Mohamed said the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, which was the biggest obstacle for peace and stability in Somalia, is now at its weakest position following a joint military operation by the Somali National Army and AMISON.

“Al-shabaab is now driven out of all major areas of Somalia. There is no place which it controls as military and political bases like before. The only thing it can do now is to terrorize the people by planting bombs and other means,” he said.

Though al-shabaab is at its weakest position, Somalia is not immune from the militant group’s threat, he said. “I will not say Al-shebab is finished completely. But, it is time for all to collaborate and finish it soon,” he said.

According to him, the Federal Government of Somalia is working strenuously to clear the scar and the hatred ideology left by the militant group in the country.
“We are working at community, district, regional and federal levels to make sure that the hatred ideology planted by al-shabaab is cleared out and to heal the scar left by the group,” he said.

Somalia is recovering quickly both economically and politically. People living in the most liberated areas are receiving basic service, he said. However, “We still have a long way to make it more effective,” he said

“For a country that had been at war for over 25 years, it needs international and regional assistances in investment, economic recovery and infrastructural sectors,” he said.

According to him, the people are currently provided with social services such as water, health, education and other basic services.

Regarding Ethio-Somalia bilateral ties, he said the two neighboring countries are cooperating beyond the usual peace and security cooperation. “We are very pleased with the relations,” he said.

The two countries have signed 11 agreements in the education, aviation, investment and trade as well as other development sectors, which according to him are key even to the region.

Ambassador Mohamed also extended its gratitude to Ethiopia for its irreplaceable role in the efforts to rebuild his country.

“Somalis are grateful for Ethiopian brothers for their supportive and brotherly role they have been playing for Somalis to breathe in peace,” he said.

Ethiopia has provided scholarship opportunities for 150 Somali students this academic year which is a good way of supporting Somalia to its human capacity development, he noted.

He also appreciated the international community and IGAD, AU for their positive intention and help for Somalia to reach where it is now.

He finally called on all bodies to continue their efforts until Somalia is freed from al-shabaab threat.