Friday September 8, 2023
Ali Jeyte Osman - FILE PHOTO
Beledweyne (HOL) - Ali Jeyte Osman has been appointed as the leader in the war on terror in the Hiiraan and parts of Galmudug regions following a series of meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, federal MPs, and traditional elders. The meeting in the Mahaas district on Wednesday resulted in an agreement that Osman, the Hiran State Administration's leader, would spearhead the anti-terrorism efforts as the interim President of Hiiraan.
As part of the agreement, Osman will receive support for the war effort directly from the federal government, enhancing coordination and efficiency in the ongoing battle against the Al-Shabaab. Although the meeting also addressed the future of the Hiiraan State and local grievances with the federal government, it was decided that these issues would be discussed in more detail at an undisclosed future date.Osman clarified the agreement details, stating, "The president asked us to set aside our concerns and prioritize eliminating the country's enemies. I agreed because, in a peaceful country, everything can be resolved through dialogue. We will revisit our issues when there is stability. That's why it was delayed."
He also called upon the broader Somali population to unite against Al-Shabaab, referencing the 1977 war between Somalia and Ethiopia as evidence that the terrorist group could be defeated. "Al Sheydan can be defeated. As you know, during the 1977 war, Somalia had a smaller army and population than Ethiopia. Now that we have a larger population and army (than Al-Shabaab), why don't we resist? Let's move past the lies. This war is necessary for all Somalis, not just specific individuals," Osman asserted.
His call to action was mainly aimed at the residents of Hiiraan, who have historically played a leading role in the ongoing nationwide effort to eradicate the Al-Shabaab group. This move is part of a broader effort to address the growing threat of terrorism in the region.
Al-Shabaab, an extremist fundamentalist group based in East Africa, originated as the youth wing of the Islamic Courts Union and evolved into a radical organization ties to Al-Qaeda. Concentrated mainly in Somalia, they've launched multiple attacks against government and civilian targets. Despite ongoing efforts by the Somali federal government, supported by African Union troops and international allies, to recapture territories controlled by Al-Shabaab, the group remains a significant threat to regional stability.
