President: Let 2014 be the year we eliminate Al Shabaab

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today to galvanize support from African Union partners to eliminate Al-Shabaab.

Upon arrival the President stated: “We have already got off to a strong start against our enemies this year, acting with our friends and partners to demonstrate forcibly that they have nowhere safe left to hide in Somalia. We are putting them under unprecedented pressure with a series of strikes. We will continue to defeat them militarily as well as in the battle of ideas. Let’s finish the job in 2014.”

Security features high on the AU Heads of State Summit agenda and Somalia is expecting to gain overwhelming support in its efforts to end the war against Al-Shabaab. Currently the Somali National Army is preparing for major operations against the terrorists, in partnership with AMISOM.

Leaders will also be discussing Agenda 2063, Africa’s ambitious plans to move forward on a range of issues to transform the continent, including good governance and economic development. The President will also be holding bilateral talks with several African leaders on issues of mutual interest.