Sheikh Shariif Praises Armed Forces
Mogadishu (SDN) -The President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia marked the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of Somalia’s armed forces. He encouraged the nation’s armed forces to continue their important work battling Al-Shabaab at the event which took place under high security on April 23rd 2012.
Sheikh Shariif stated that there is no other option but to destroy Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab militants who have carried out attacks on the Somali public. He called on coalition forces to protect civilians from violence.
He also praised the armed forces for the visible and dramatic change in peacekeeping in the nation’s capital. He added that security forces need to continue to excel in their efforts.
This milestone marks a dramatic change in the Somali arena which has seen international efforts to combat violence and piracy across the country and its waters. African Union troops on land and NATO forces on the seas have contributed to the increased militarization of Somalia. Reports of security contractors working in Puntland and the recent calls from the President of Somaliland to lift an arms embargo on Somalia raise concerns about the capacity of Somalia to provide security for its own citizens and maintain the autonomy of its borders.
SDN-Mogadishu