Somali government confirms rebirth of Al-Shabab in Mogadishu

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Somali government confirms rebirth of Al-Shabab in Mogadishu

 

Minister of Interior and Federalism, Abdullahi Godah Barre, has called on people in Mogadishu to remain vigilant.

 

By By Shafi’i Mohyaddin

Thursday, March 06, 2014

 

 

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MOGADISHU, Somalia (HOL) - A key Somali government minister has announced that Al-Shabab militants are once again fully operating in Somalia's capital Mogadishu; more than two and a half years after the Islamist group was ousted out of the city.

 

The Minister for Interior and Federalism Affairs, Abdullahi Godah Barre, told the media in Mogadishu on Tuesday that the militants managed to return to the capital despite being defeated in several battles across south-central Somalia.

 

“I am requesting the Somali people living in the capital Mogadishu to help the government to fight against the violence and anarchy that the terrorists are planning to carry out in the capital---they want to plunge this city into more bloodshed once again,” the minister noted.

 

Abdullahi Godah Barre called for the people in Mogadishu to maintain tight vigilance ahead of an all-out offensive against Al Shabab.

 

“There is no doubt there has been an increase in violence in Mogadishu; however, it is important that the Somali people and the government cooperate in order to protect the capital against more bloodshed,” Mr Abdullahi Godah Barre said during his address at the new Mogadishu Mayor’s inauguration.

 

“I am urging the Somali people to say no to feuds, because we know that the clan-based division will help the terrorists realise their intentions” the minister for interior and federalism emphasised.

 

Al-Shabab was pushed out of the capital Mogadishu on 6th of August 2011; however, Al-Shabab has shown signs of resurgence in recent months.