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Somali president vows to stabilize Somalia despite attacks

Xinhua, April 13, 2017 Adjust font size:

Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed vowed on Thursday to stabilize the country by defeating Al-Shabaab militant group which has waged a series of attacks against his government.

Mohamed said the militants who have continued to kill and maim innocent civilians in Mogadishu should take advantage of the amnesty issued recently, warning that those continuing to commit acts of terror will face the full force of the government.

"We will look nowhere. We will use the same tactics that we used in the past and we will liberate the country with the capability of our troops," Mohamed said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

The president, who made the remarks during the Somali National Army (SNA) 57th anniversary celebrations held in Mogadishu, said his government was ready to dialogue if the militants take advantage of the amnesty, but promised to pursue them if they do not renounce violence.

He warned that those continuing to commit acts of terror will face the full force of the government and promised to deploy the same tactics that forced out Al-Shabaab from the capital city and other major towns.

"The leaders of Al-Shabaab should know that they are not destroying the government of Somalia. The government has international support and a large army. You are destroying property and killing your brothers. The leaders of Al-Shabaab should know that they have been fighting for the last 10 years and we have patiently waited to negotiate," Mohamed said.

"If you refuse the peace that we are extending to you, we will come after you wherever you are. I am asking you to stop killing people. Let us negotiate, disarm and develop the country," he added, urging the public to brace for a major offensive that will be jointly undertaken by the SNA and AMISOM.

Mohamed pledged to tackle corruption and address the welfare of soldiers as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the army.

He paid glowing tribute to AMISOM for the role it has played in pacifying the country but noted that for the SNA to be able to play its part, effectively, there is need to have a clean and dedicated leadership, which the administration has started putting in place. Endit