Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has alleged that certain foreign governments are directly supporting the militant group Al-Shabaab in an effort to seize control of the country.
Speaking at a press conference following the recapture of Bariire town in Lower Shabelle by Somali government forces, Minister Fiqi said these “foreign powers” have clear ambitions to see Somalia fall under Al-Shabaab’s grip. However, he stressed that the Somali government has successfully thwarted these plans.
“The government has invested immense effort into defeating this agenda, and we have achieved significant success in blocking foreign interference and the support being channeled to terrorist groups,” Fiqi stated.
“We know for a fact that foreign governments are aiding Al-Shabaab with the aim of taking over the country. Fortunately, the Somali government has managed to prevent this,” he added.
The minister vowed that the government would continue its fight against both Al-Shabaab and any entities backing them, with the goal of securing lasting peace and stability in Somalia.
Although Fiqi did not name the foreign governments allegedly behind Al-Shabaab, recent reports suggest growing cooperation between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi movement, an ally of Iran.
