By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Mahaas(Mogadishu24)-The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arrived in Mahaas district in Hiiraan region on Sunday to intensify the offensive against Al-Shabaab in the area.
Dressed with the military uniform, the President will lead and oversee the operations in the region, demonstrating his strong commitment to liberating the remaining areas still under the control of Al-Shabaab militants.
“President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in Mahas district in Hiiraan region to accelerate the operations against Al-Shabaab militants in the region, which is the backbone of the country’s liberation mission,” the statement from Villa Somalia read.
President Hassan is scheduled to meet with the regional leader, Ali Jeyte Osman, and top government officials to resolve the ongoing dispute in the region and jointly combat the threats faced by the local population.
“During his stay in Mahas, President Hassan Sheikh will engage in discussions with the commanders of the national army, frontline forces, government authorities, and the local community on how to collectively enhance their roles in the fight against the terrorism threats faced by the people of Hiiraan,” the statement added.
This comes as the President has spent more than a month in Dhusamareb, the administrative capital of Galmudug State, to scale up the second phase of the war against the terrorists organisation.
Two months ago, Ali Jeyte Osman, who had been at the forefront of the war against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, was dismissed from his position as the Governor of Hiiraan by the state president of Hirshabelle, Ali Gudlaawe.
His removal sparked widespread criticism from some members of the Federal parliament and security experts, as he was known for his unwavering commitment to the fight against Al-Shabaab.
However, he refused to acknowledge his removal and strongly refused stepping down from his position. During a press conference held in Hiraan State, Jeyte imposed a curfew in the region.
He also reiterated his commitment to intensify Anti-Al-Shabaab operations and provide support to the local forces known as ‘Macawisley’ in their relentless fight against the extremist group.
Since then, tensions have risen in the region, which has reduced movements between Hiiraan and Shabelle regions.
The President’s visit to the region is expected to provide a resolute solution to these tensions, giving room for negotiations and peaceful dialogue between the two leaders.
