Defeat of al-Shabaab brings security back to Hiran, Bay and Bakool

By Adnan Hussein in Mogadishu

July 03, 2012

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Normalcy has returned to the Hiran, Bay and Bakool regions after Somali and allied forces cleansed al-Shabaab from the areas in recent months.

  • Residents shop in a market in Beledweyne free of al-Shabaab control. [Adnan Hussein/Sabahi]

    Residents shop in a market in Beledweyne free of al-Shabaab control. [Adnan Hussein/Sabahi]

  • Residents talk outside a bullet-ridden building in Beledweyne. [Adnan Hussein/Sabahi]

    Residents talk outside a bullet-ridden building in Beledweyne. [Adnan Hussein/Sabahi]

Hiran Governor Abdifatah Hassan Afrah said military forces have been pulled from the streets in Beledweyne, and people are now able to go to work without the worry of violence.

Afrah told Sabahi that businessmen have noticed a significant increase in clientele and sales as of late. He said traffic between neighbourhoods has been on the rise, and new cafes and shops have opened up around the city.

He said commercial and educational activities came to a halt under al-Shabaab control, as the group imposed unfair taxes and forced locals to join its ranks.

"Our doors are now open and it is business as usual," said local merchant Nur Dhaqane. "We hope to make up for the losses from the unrest and lack of security we lived under for three years of al-Shabaab's radical rule."

"They called on locals to boycott the imported clothing we sold in our store. Sales stayed low and almost stopped during their control. But today, most people ask for the latest fashions, especially when it comes to women's clothes, accessories and shoes," he told Sabahi.

Somali and Ethiopian forces took over Beledweyne in December 2011 after forcing the rebels out of Matabaan, Mahaas and the surrounding villages. In June, 100 Djiboutian soldiers reached Beledweyne, joining African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces.

Al-Shabaab still occupies other areas of Hiran, such as the towns of Buulobarde, Jalalaqsi and Buqda.

Hashi Malin, a former private school administrator in Beledweyne, said students have gone back to school after many had previously fled the city, fearing being forced to fight for al-Shabaab.

"The students' reunion was marked with sadness, as they lost loved ones who died because of wars and exchange of fire," he said. "There were also feelings of happiness due to meeting one another after a long period of time. The suffering left in them is a collective memory that cannot be erased from their minds."

Student Ali Mohammed Wasighi said, "I returned to my school, Mujama Um al-Qura in Beledweyne, four months ago with other schoolmates to resume my studies. My life has gone back to normal, after much hardship from exhausting wars, and others like me who had to bear arms and enter the battlefield. We had no one to watch over us or take care of us. Some were killed, while others were injured, and their future remains unclear."

Hudur returns to normalcy

Isaac Yarow Mohammed, a tribal elder in Hudur in the Bakool region, said the town is slowly coming back to life after Somali and Ethopian forces ended al-Shabaab's three-year control over the area.

"We are in dire need of jobs and we need to close the chapter of war," he told Sabahi. "We need to move forward in reconstruction and we would like the transitional government to fund more development projects to free youth from unemployment and terrorism, while reviving the economy."

For the first time in three years, a clinic run by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has opened in the city, specialising in tests and prescribing medication.

Dr. Omar Salah, WHO co-ordinator for urgent relief, told Sabahi the centre receives between 100 and 150 patients daily. Over the past two months, more than 34,000 prescriptions have been given out to patients, he said.

Hudur town commissioner Mohamed Mualim said the WHO has supplied free medical labs to help prescribe medicine and treatment.

Mualim called on more Somali and international agencies to return to help improve the humanitarian situation. He told Sabahi that despite there being some humanitarian relief under way in Bakool region, many women and children have been weakened by hunger, sickness and malnutrition.

Baidoa hospital suffers from lack of medicine, supplies

Baidoa, the capital of Bay region, was captured by joint Somali and Ethiopian forces in February. In April, AMISOM dispatched 100 soldiers to Baidoa, its first deployment outside of Mogadishu. At Baidoa's airport, helicopters are arriving from Mogadishu carrying AMISOM officers, Somali officials, and delegates from international health and relief organisations.

The local hospital, however, suffers from a lack of basic medical supplies, according to local leaders.

Amin Osman, a member of the Baidoa residential committee that runs the hospital, said a shortage of medicine has led to postponing operations for several injured and wounded patients. He said there are insufficient supplies of anaesthetic drugs and a lack of medical labs to test and store blood.

Osman told Sabahi that the hospital has only one old ambulance that lacks first-aid equipment.

Lawmaker Fawzia Mohamed Sheikh said patients visiting the central hospital of Baidoa cannot find the medication to treat them. There is also a shortage of funding and improper sewage infrastructure, she said, which creates a health hazard for patients.

She called on the transitional government and international organisations to support the Baidoa hospital.

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Reader's Comments

  • علي جبريل الكتبي
    July 19, 2012 @ 12:47:05PM

    Replying to Um Aish comment, I say: what kind of security did Al Shabab movement brings, while the people who are living in the areas under its control live in panic and fear.

  • Kareithi Benjamin Mwangi
    July 18, 2012 @ 05:53:36AM

    This is a great transisition made in Somali especially to hear that citizens are appreciating every days of their exisistence in this land of Somali. Highly reccomend WHO 4 its initiative to see that the Somalis receives all neccesary medication to enhance life in their country. Thanks to all those governments that have seen through this transition take place.

  • Mmmaa
    July 17, 2012 @ 05:37:25AM

    Thank for the updates its just an indication of better days God is on the side of Somalis. They will soon enjoy being in this world like the rest.

  • Geoffrey Chege
    July 16, 2012 @ 07:27:05AM

    When it is reported of normalcy returning to Somalia, that's music to Kenyans ears since we are involved in a war that wasn't supposed to be ours. We live in fear of terrorist attacks and our compatriots have been killed for reasons they can't ascribe to. So let peace return to Somalia and this region will go back to its normal way pf life. Fishermen will go back to the sea, farmers will no longer need to look over their shoulders and life will return to normal for us too

  • Mpenda Amani
    July 16, 2012 @ 07:06:12AM

    Somalia needs peace. Countries in Africa want to do business with the people of Somalia.. We need to see a developed Somalia in the coming decade which will only come when peace is maintained. Congratulations to all countries which have sent soldiers to Somalia to battle out terrorists!

  • Kinya
    July 16, 2012 @ 06:36:29AM

    If something is good....then why does it keep people in fear and terror...?? If someone is your brother, why does he harass you...to make you refugees in other lands?? Somethings just need to look and see... My prayer concerns Kenya and all Somalia......

  • sailes maine marashi
    July 16, 2012 @ 03:06:36AM

    yes ,it is nice but is true that AU can maintain peace in somalia and totaly contol alshahabab?

  • ESOLOM NGARI KARIUKI
    July 16, 2012 @ 01:37:18AM

    may the regional dwellers seek to know the true religion and its mision. they have clearly seen what their religion was after. were it not for their prior suport to the group. its intialising steps would have been detoured and hence life wold be better of. this is a nice opportunity to tell the people of the true God worthy to be served. may they be given an opportunity to think critically of their muslim religion and its behaviour.I wish them all the best in life. those without food may the Lord of hosts grant them life. God bless you too.

  • joeliser
    July 15, 2012 @ 08:13:37AM

    I think to discuss about another one faith is misleading. Muslim has to realise that in all parts of the world muslims are the one who cause trouble to others. country like Somali, Nigeria,etc Muslims are killings Christian by burning the churches, i have not heard of christian burning mosque because christian teach peace and love while muslim know only their faith is right and by killing non muslim he has to go to "their heaven" Almost all terrorists are muslim oriented one Please come to your sense and realise the truth.Most of the muslim teaches Arabic to their children at madras therefore depriving the children to get a normal education.When their children fails they blamed christians. When you take two things at one time you loose the other one.

  • umikaltum ahmed
    July 14, 2012 @ 03:29:29AM

    i just want somali to have peace ...and InshaAllah they will get everythn

  • bs.
    July 12, 2012 @ 10:00:49AM

    we are all one with the flow of the universe and it is best for all of us not to be at war. this is a gift to the world where peace keeps prevailing. to the wounded and hurt and those who lost their loved ones our most sincerer prayers are with you all!!!

  • collins
    July 12, 2012 @ 06:33:03AM

    It is easy to see speckle in another person's eye than our own eyes. It is likley, as man since the fall as recorded in Genesis 3, has a frightful feelings that easily resort to violence in the pretence of self defence. There has been many wars fought in the world from the beginning in the name of some kind of God. Lots of human being have lost lives and properties come to ruin. This has happened in all the world, regardless of religion affliation, call it Buthist, Christian, Islam, Hindu etc. What is the best way of dealing with a violence prone man? The believe about God as all powerful, all knowing, and every where present idealogy,n would help us, allow him to do his work. The idea is not who is hating us, or who is our enemy. The problem is selfcenterdness. " Let each look not out for his own interest, but also for others" Philippian 2:1-4. War are a result of trying to prove to others that we are great, not even God. Secondly human life is very uncertain. Things we fight for we end up, loosing them, especially after we die. No human being , has ever succeded to take a long, his money, land, country, or property into the grave, or next world. Egyptians buried their kings with his servants, but everything ended up, decayed in the depths of the ground..Best is "everything that were gain to me I counted but lose, for the excellence of knowledge of Christ Jesus" Phippians 3:7-11. It seems the work of revenge against our imagined or true enemies is God himself. Romans 12:9-

  • falaag
    July 12, 2012 @ 03:53:28AM

    Uncle you are very welcome

  • brian
    July 11, 2012 @ 01:50:29PM

    the more u contnue fighting in somalia the more kenyans u r loosing

  • Ahmed Abdallah Albeity
    July 11, 2012 @ 01:06:32AM

    I’m very pleased by these reports, being my first time to get credible news about Somalia. I request for you to provide news from other Nations. I represent.

  • Ben Kim
    July 10, 2012 @ 07:52:41PM

    Thanks Hussein for the informative information. Abolishing Al Shabab in Somalia is not a Christian vs Muslim context. People living under deprivation and being killed in Somalia are Muslims. The perpetrators of this vice are Muslims. No one should have the audacity of claiming Christian invasion or attack them in a reitariatory mision. Christianity is founded on Love for humanity, in that Jesus come for all men, whether Christian or non-Christrian.

  • Meshaq Shackah
    July 10, 2012 @ 07:00:11AM

    Congrat to all soldiers who made peace to be in somaliland.

  • Jeilani
    July 9, 2012 @ 02:12:17AM

    The federal government has really made giant steps in improving the security of the country and they have done this by vigorously fighting the Al shabab. The government is increasing the number of their military and police force to help keep her people safe. They have also asked for help from the African union and the international community to fund them and provide them with weaponry and essential training to be able to fight terrorism in Somalia. The government has also joined the Amison troops already in the county help flush the Al shabab once and for all. Another way the government is doing is trying to organize the reconciliation talk with all the warring clans and in the effort they will be able to unite the Somali people and dissuade them from joining the Al shabab

  • Jane
    July 8, 2012 @ 09:22:21AM

    Why do Muslims always say that they are hated by Christians? Are they happy when thugs go killing in the name of their God? Allah is a strong God and needs no one to fight for him. Now that Somalia is getting peaceful all the Somalis should go back to their country and leave us alone. And those youths who were recruited by Al-Shabaab, and now claim they are back in Kenya and want to settle down should be prosecuted accordingly because they did not inform anyone when they left to join the Al-Shabaab. Now that they want to be accepted as harmless citizens back in Kenya they come pretending to be good citizens. Those who harm you are extremely close to you.

  • DENNIS AWANDU
    July 7, 2012 @ 01:19:12PM

    Well done KDF. We are so proud of you. Next stop Migingo island.

  • Norbert Okumu
    July 7, 2012 @ 06:36:13AM

    toreza mussa, you are barking at the wrong tree. True Christianity professes that there is only one God, His name is the Lord Jesus Christ. This God has many offices e.g, His office as the Father; meaning he is the creator of all, His office as the Son; that is when He took on a human body to come and die for human race- remeber the body could die but He who dwelt in that body, the great eternal Spirit could not die- that great God who dwealt in that body could not die. You have a spirit dwelling in your body, when your body dies that spirit does not die, it waits for the judgement of that great eternal Spirit called the Lord Jesus Christ who is able to kill it if found guilty of sin. Again this great God has the office of the Holy Ghost, which comes to dwell in the believers, so that it is nolonger the believers doing their works, but that great eternal spirit dwelling in them. To understand what I am saying, take example of a man who has many roles; for example, a President of a country may be also a Member of Parliament and also Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of that country, does this make him 3 ? NO, it is the same person with different roles.

  • علي جبريل الكتبي
    July 5, 2012 @ 03:09:10PM

    There is no doubt that when any region in Somalia is liberated from al-Shabab, life will get back to normal. This is why we have to liberate all Somalia from the claws of al-Shabab. Hopefully, the international effort aiming to build a strong entity in Somalia, would succeed because al-Shabab is exploiting the security vacuum in the country. Thus, the international community, represented by the US and UK, has to support the upcoming Somali Government. The neighboring countries, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, have to help the Somalis to establish their State and abandon disregard their old policy fearing a strong neighboring Somali government. With a strong government in Somalia, neighboring countries' security will be ensured.

  • toreza mussa
    July 5, 2012 @ 11:30:00AM

    i can say that the muslims in the world are hated by non muslims due to the fact that they have true believe than other religions of the universe.this point of view shows that always the realit pains to lairs.hence aii prophets of God hated by what is so called non muslims that is why they are pretending that muslims are so bad in everyone to hate them.leave them their are in the right way of life to heaven.assume to those people who believes in trinity that 1+1+1=1,this is the philosiphy of giving the knoledge to someone who mind is slept and does not bring the sense in actual way of life that God who creted the universe can die. so base of true of god.

  • benjamin munyao
    July 5, 2012 @ 07:24:23AM

    the military forces need to be over serious

  • David O
    July 5, 2012 @ 06:12:42AM

    This is to Sabahi, staff & it's journalists. Congratulations for keeping the world informed on Somalia & the courage to keep reporting under difficult circumstances. Keep the information flowing - you are appreciated!

  • أم عائشة
    July 5, 2012 @ 02:17:18AM

    Al shabab is the one who will bring stability and security. As for those criminals and those infidels who took our money and killed our children, God will defeat them!

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