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AU calls for youth de-radicalization in Somalia

Xinhua, April 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

The African Union top envoy for Somalia on Wednesday called for de-radicalization of youth in Somalia and shield them from victimization by Al-Shabaab terrorists.

AU Special Representative for Somalia Madeira Francisco said countering radicalization of the Somali youth was necessary to curb terrorism in the Horn of Africa nation.

"We are going to concentrate on de-radicalization. We are going to sensitize the youths that they are being misled by these murderers; that joining these people is not a good idea and that these people stand for evil," he said in a statement issued from African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Madeira told an engagement forum in Mogadishu that though extensive progress has been made against Al Shabaab, more needs to be done to curtail its ability to spread terror.

He said AMISOM with the help of its development partners will continue helping Somalia strengthen its government institutions to restore and maintain the rule of law.

The AU envoy expressed optimism that the war against Al-Shabaab will be won by sheer will and resilience of the Somali people, evident in the on-going initiative to stabilize and reconstruct the country.

The envoy said AMISOM will try its best to provide education, shelter and food to the youth to prevent them from being recruited by Al-Shabaab.

Unemployment, poverty and political marginalization are contributing to the Islamic radicalization of Somali youth, a situation experts say must be addressed through economic empowerment and inclusive policies.

"Our effort is to make sure that the government of Somalia, with its institutions, is in a position to be present throughout the country. Our effort aims at allowing the population to be able to do agriculture, commerce and also transport their products to the markets," Madeira said.

He noted that AMISOM troops were busy securing the main supply routes to enable free movement of goods and services.

Despite the massive challenges and shortage of resources, the AU envoy stressed that AMISOM will continue undeterred in the fight against terrorism. He appealed to the international community for more resources, among them force enablers and multipliers. Endit