Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo has expressed confidence in his government's ability to restore peace in the country.
Speaking after a security meeting with his Cabinet and top military officials on Sunday in Mogadishu, he reminded them of the need to remain focused on the government's pledge to deliver good results in its first 100 days in office.
The Deputy Army Commander, General Abdikarim Farah Dhegabadan, put forward the Transitional Federal Government's determination to fight what he called a ‘bunch of terrorists’.
He urged al-Shabaab, the most radical Islamist group opposing the government, to refrain from luring children into the war through misinformation.
“The Somali children are the future of this country,” remarked Gen Dhegabadan. “We want them to be immune from any harm,” he added.
Al-Shabaab (meaning Youth in Arabic) often draws its loyalists from schools and Dugsi Quran (Koran school).
Lasting benefits
The underage are often lured by the promise that jihad (holy war) has lasting benefits.
The deputy army commander reiterated the army’s commitment to fight any group influenced by foreign jihadists and hiding behind the banner of Islam.
