MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Wednesday that Al-Qaeda-aligned militant group cannot be defeated militarily, weeks after government launched an offensive against insurgents.
“Al-Shabaab and terrorists anywhere they are cannot be defeated militarily only,” Mohamud said speaking at US-Africa Peace, Security and Governance Forum.
“Military is a very important component for their defeat, but in the case of Somalia we decided there are two other factors, variables that have to be added into the equation.”
Somali President told the forum that his government had declared a militaristic, economic and ideological war against Islamist rebels, adding that the efforts have so far proved successful.
It came weeks after militants attacked an upscale hotel next to Mohamud’s residence in Mogadishu’s green-zone, where they have battled security forces for nearly 24 hours.
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