IN NEW YORK
A Kenya Defence Forces, under Africa Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom),
soldier takes position during a patrol at Afmadow town on November 22,
2015. Currently Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti and Ethiopia have their
forces under Amisom. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The
fight against Al-Shabaab is failing to achieve its objectives because
African Union forces are “overstretched” and the Somalia national army
suffers “endemic deficiencies,” a US military commander for Africa said
on Tuesday.
General David Rodriguez,
head of the US Africa Command (Africom), offered a bleak assessment of
Somalia’s security situation in remarks to the US Senate Armed Services
Committee.
His comments stood in
marked contrast to assurances of substantial progress in Somalia that
other US officials have repeatedly voiced.
“Al-Shabaab did lose territory last year and was weakened in its ability to generate resources,” said Gen Rodriguez.
But
he warned that Al-Shabaab may respond to these financial and
territorial losses “by broadening its terrorist agenda throughout East
Africa.”
Gen Rodriguez said other US
military officials were reporting an air strike on an Al-Shabaab
compound that reportedly killed 150 militants.
The
appraisal suggested that intensive efforts by the US and other powers
to improve the Somali state’s military and governance capabilities have
produced few gains.
“The Somali
National Army remains dependent on foreign forces to conduct operations
and is challenged by leadership, logistical support and clan
factionalism,” he said.
“Under-governed
areas outside the reach of Federal Government of Somalia will continue
providing Al-Shabaab with territory to hide.”
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