Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concluded the two-day National Consultative Council meeting in Dhusamareb yesterday, attended by Federal and four regional state leaders.
The Federal and Federal Member state leaders focused on agendas encompassed demonstrating unwavering support for the federal army, ongoing military operations, stabilizing liberated areas, speeding up preparations for the second phase of the military offensive, and fostering reconciliation among communities residing in areas liberated from militant control.
The council lauded the remarkable accomplishments of the armed forces and local militias in their relentless combat against al-Shabab in the Galgudud region of Galmudug State. The leaders commended the President’s pivotal role and the Members of Parliament at both levels in the anti-al Shabab operations.
Somali government troops made significant strides by gaining control over strategic territories within the Galgadud region, notably securing the district of Elbur, about 400 kilometres (249 miles) north of the capital, Mogadishu, shortly after al-Shabab militants hastily fled the district.
Elbur, located in the central Somali region of Galgaduud, has been a stronghold for al-Shabab for nearly a decade, and its capture represents a significant blow to the group.
On another front, the council expressed deep concern over the conflict in Las Anod town. It urged the Somaliland and SCC-Khatumo administrations to exercise restraint and abstain from actions that could perpetuate the strife. The council emphasized safeguarding prisoners’ rights and called for urgent aid to be reached to the displaced populace affected by the Sool wars.
Somalia’s global partners have also “strongly condemned” the recent clashes between Somaliland’s separatist forces and local clans in Las Anod town.
“We are deeply concerned about reports of large numbers of detainees and expect those involved to abide by human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the international community said in a joint statement.
The statement came in response to the escalation between armed Somaliland forces and clan militias known as SSC-Khatumo in Laascaanood, as concerns rise over the risk of the fighting spilling over to the outskirts of the urban area.
