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AU calls for aiding Somali town recaptured from Al-Shabaab

Xinhua, October 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has appealed to international community to help provide potable water for residents of the liberated central Somalia town of El Baraf.

AMISOM contingent commander Jean Pierre Hakizimana said Thursday that the assistance would help meet the pressing demand for clean water supply for the town, as troops focus on security and opening of routes to other parts of Somalia.

"The need for water made some of them flee from the town," he said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. The strategic town of El Baraf sits 150 km from Mogadishu in the Middle Shabelle region.

AMISOM force spokesperson Joe Kibet said the liberation of El Baraf had brought benefits not just to the local residents, but also resulted in the opening up of major routes to other parts of Somalia

"It's at a junction that Al-Shabaab used to dominate; they used it for collection of taxes and making money. When we came here we cut that link, we forced them out and denied them the opportunity of getting income from taxation along this region and oppressing the people," he added.

El Baraf was recaptured by AMISOM forces earlier this year to help free its residents from the control of the Al-Shabaab terror group and also open up major routes.

El Baraf is now bustling with activities unlike when it was controlled by the militants. Traders are seen back on the streets selling foodstuffs and other merchandise and farmers are busy herding their livestock. Endit