The Federal government of Somalia has successfully liberated 70 locations in its ongoing operation to restore peace and stability to the nation, countering the threat of the Al-Shabaab militant group. However, despite these significant victories, the communities in those newly liberated areas continue to face challenges due to the absence of essential government services, such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and access to water and electricity. This pressing issue took center stage during a recent Stabilization meeting.

In stark contrast, regions controlled by Al-Shabaab boast functioning public Judiciary services, leaving the liberated communities to rely on neighboring areas still under the group’s control. This disparity has highlighted the urgent need to restore vital services to the recently liberated communities.

In response to this critical situation, the Federal Government of Somalia, in collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, convened a Stabilization meeting to address the immediate need for stabilization and the restoration of essential public services in the newly liberated areas.

During the meeting, Ahmed Maalim Fiqi, the Minister of Internal Affairs, underscored the importance of prioritizing the restoration of essential services in these regions. He outlined comprehensive plans and strategies aimed at ensuring lasting stability and fostering sustainable development.

“In today’s stabilization meeting, we have reached a consensus on the urgent need to provide essential services, including education, healthcare, water, and other vital resources, to the areas that have been successfully recovered from the grip of Al-Shabaab. As a government, we recognize the significance of building a strong relationship with our community. To achieve that, we are committed to ensuring the provision of essential services, which are crucial in our collective fight against terrorist groups,” stated Minister Fiqi.

Echoing these sentiments, Mohamed Abdi Ware, the Special Presidential Envoy for Civilian Protection and Stabilization, emphasized the necessity of achieving clarity and implementing a streamlined coordination mechanism.

“‘Stabilization will no longer be project-based. It will be a National Strategy’ – DPM @SalahJama. Finally, the clarity needed & a streamlined coordination mechanism. Thanks to the International Community for the Goodwill & Support. Let’s consolidate the gains of liberation,” President’s Special envoy for Stabilization, Mohamed Abdi Ware tweeted .

The Stabilization meeting focused on formulating comprehensive plans and strategies to address the urgent service gaps in the liberated areas. The Somali government pledged to mobilize domestic and international resources to ensure the provision of critical services and bring stability and prosperity to these communities once again.