Somali government forces regain control of key districts in Mogadishu

Somali government forces have regained control of several key positions previously captured by armed groups in the capital Mogadishu. Meanwhile, Somali members of parliament urged President Sharif Sheikh Ahmad to speed up the process of appointing a consensual new prime minister to help form a strong government capable of restoring security and stability in the country.

Since the resignation of former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdul Rashid last month, many have called on the government to fill in the political vacuum experienced in the country. Meanwhile, Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmad launched intensive consultation efforts inside and outside the country in a bid to elect a new prime minister. Observers believe that several neighboring countries, which Sharif sought consultation with, have expressed reservation over certain prime minister nominees. In response, a parliamentary bloc submitted a proposal to the president, asking him to elect a consensual prime minister, jointly accepted by all parties.

Ahmad Dur, Somali MP said "We asked the president to elect a prime minister who can form a strong government, capable of restoring security and stability in the country."

In another development, nearly 20 people were killed and more than 40 others were wounded in artillery shelling and fierce clashes between armed al-Shabab fighters and the Islamic Party’s forces on one side and African Union-backed government forces on the other. It seems that AU forces are seeking to expand their influence over key positions in and around the Somali capital of Mogadishu. AU forces seized control of the former military hospital near the Central Bakaru Market. In addition, government forces regained control over key positions in the area of Hudon.

Somali Army’s Chief of Staff, General Abdul Karim Teghaten said "We were able to push back the enemy and seize control of their strongholds. Our forces continue to make progress. God willing, we will continue our military operations until we liberate the entire country."

Regardless of which side got the upper hand, there’s a growing need to bring these ongoing battles in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to an end, especially considering that the vast majority of the victims are civilians.

Reported by: Mohammad Uthman, al-Alam, Mogadishu.

Source: Al-Alam TV