Somalia's government is set to bolster security in a town near thecapital, a day after successfully seizing control from hard-line Islamicinsurgents. Beledweyn, in central Somalia is one of a few areas under theSomali government's control which is reportedly struggling to counter a growingIslamist insurgency.
The insurgents haverefused to recognize the Somali administration, promising to overthrow thegovernment through violence. But the government said it will continue towrestle control from the insurgents in other parts of the country.
Government spokesman Abdi Kadir Walayo told VOA that the government willnot relent on providing adequate security for its peoples.
"Thegovernment troops have successfully captured Beledweyn area 360 kilometers north ofMogadishu. And the commander of the armed forces reported that the area is nowsecure and the population living in Beledweyn is enjoying real peace there,"Walayo said.
He rejected claims thatgovernment forces simply took over the town after the insurgents have left.
"This information isbaseless. The government is now controlling the district of Beledweyn and itssurroundings. And the commander of the area reported that now people areenjoying real peace," he said.
Meanwhile, the African Unionpeacekeeping Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the UN Political Office for Somalia(UNPOS), and the Somali government launched a Joint Security Committee over theweekend to coordinate efforts in support of Mogadishu's security sectorinstitutions.
Walayo said the move wouldbring about peace in Somalia after at least 19 years without an effectivegovernment.
"The government and AMISOMcommander and the United Nations Political office for Somalia have jointlyissued a joint security plan through which they want to restore peace to otherparts of Somalia, especially south central Somalia," Walayo said.
He said the jointcooperation forms part of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's plan to ensureSomalia's stability.
"Yes, from the outset whenthis administration led by President Sheik Sharif came to power six months ago,they established that stabilization and security plan, and now it is in fullswing," he said.
Walayo said the governmentrecruitment exercise to strengthen government forces is on course.
"The recruitment drive isreally good, and the new aspirants for the e-establishment of the Somali armedforces are going on. The navy, which is going to control the Somalia coastline? the recruitment drive is in full swing and the young people are now joiningthe government forces," Walayo said.
He expressed confidence thatthe insurgents are losing influence.
"You know, this support ofal-Shabab, they are losing ground. Now they are vacating areas where theyoccupied before and these young people are now joining Somali forces. They knowthe illegitimacy and plans of al-Shabab, so now they are going to distancethemselves from? al-Shabab," he said.
Walayo said the governmentwill be able to pay the new recruits after receiving financial support from theinternational community.
"The government is ready topay the new recruits and because of the international support, the governmentis receiving that support. The government will provide stipends to the newlyrecruited personnel," Walayo said.
Somalia has been without aneffective government after long time President Mohammed Siad Bare wasoverthrown in 1991.