The Africa Union forces in Somalia have been accused of failing the decade-long battle against the Al Qaeda-linked Al shabaab militants in the horn of Africa country.
Speaking in interview with Radio Shabelle, Col Faadhe Jama who is a top SNA officer called for building strong national army, to take the country’s security responsibility from AMISOM.
“AMISOM did not bring peace in Somalia, the African Union mission in Somalia has failed to defeat Al Shabaab in the battle which has been going on for 9 years,” said Jama.
Jama has urged the international partners to fund Somali National Army, rebuild and equip them instead of AMISOM soldiers whom he accused of lacking capacity to eradicate Al Shabaab from the whole country.
The colonel’s call comes days after UN Security Council has extended the mandate of AMISOM peacekeeping troops to 2020. AU forces will start withdrawing from Somalia in 2018.
AMISOM troops have recently vacated several towns in southern Somalia, allowing Al Shabaab militants to make a come-back and re-capture the areas.
