The European Union has announced a project worth 4.5 million euros to stabilize areas liberated by Somali government forces from Al-Shabab militants in the regional states of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West, and Jubbaland.
The launching event took place in Mogadishu yesterday and was attended by the Minister of Interior, Federal, and Reconciliation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, representatives from the regional states, the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Tiina Intelmann, and NIS Foundation officials.
The Rapid Nationwide Stabilization Project will provide government services such as security, water, and reconciliation to the people living in the recently liberated areas of the country.
The project’s first phase will start in Harardhere, Eldheer, Mahaas, Matabaan, Teedaan, Rage Cele, and Aden Yabal, all located in central Somalia’s Hirshabelle and Galmudug states.
Tiina Intelmann, the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, stated that the European Union would continue to be a friend and ally of Somalia.
The Somali-led offensive against Al-Shabab began in August 2022 in central Somalia, demonstrating the progress and increased capability of the Somali National Army to capture major towns and districts from the militants. With support from the United States and Turkey, the SNA gained momentum, capturing strategic towns such as Harardhere and Gal’ad.
The involvement of local clan militias and international drone support served as force multipliers, and the Somali government has focused on targeting Al-Shabab’s ability to generate income.
Last month, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the initiation of the second phase of military operations against the extremist group Al-Shabab. This new phase aims to eradicate the militant group from the remaining parts of the country.
