Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has urged the government of U.S. not disrupt its military support to Somalia barely five days after US president announced withdrawal of US troops from Somalia.
In a Twitter post, President Farmajo said the US military support had played vital role defeat al-Shabaab.
“The United States military support to Somalia has enabled us to effectively combat Al-Shabab and secure the Horn of Africa,” said the president. “A victory through this journey and for Somali-US partnership can only be achieved through continuous security partnership and capacity building support.”
News of Trump’s desire to remove U.S. troops from Somalia was reported by Bloomberg last Tuesday.
AFRICOM has also termed the remarks by President Trump as a move which could hinder the so far gained achievements as al Shabaab’s continued terrorist threat to the American homeland could worried one.
“Somali Armed Forces are making progress, but the threat al Shabaab presents requires international assistance,” U.S. Africa Command’s Air Force Col. Chris Karns told the Washington Examiner.
“Al-Shabaab presents a future threat to America,” he said, “They have communicated as much in their videos and in their intent. This is a dangerous network that requires pressure placed on its forces.”
AFRICOM forces have been part of the international effort to strengthen Somali security institutions since 2008.
US has been targeting al-Shabaab fighters and their leaders for the last one decade.
Airstrikes conducted by US drones killed many al-Shabaab leaders including the group’s founder, Adan Eyrow and his successor, Ahmed Godane.
