Somalia Official Says Aim Remains Peace and Security

Photo: AP

Islamist insurgent fighters during clashes with Somali government soldiers in southern Mogadishu's Wardhigley neighborhood, Somalia, 24 June 2010

An official of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government told VOA the European Union sponsored training of the country’s police force is progressing steadily despite stiff opposition from hard-line insurgent groups.
Government spokesman Abdi Kadir Walayo said President Sheikh Sharif Sheik Ahmed’s administration is still determined to wrestle power from hard-line Islamic insurgent groups and to restore peace and stability.
“For the last 20 years, the whole Somali government infrastructure has been shattered and the police force and other law enforcement agencies were also part of that infrastructure. And, the present administration was trying to train and put back the infrastructure and law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Walayo’s comment came as the country prepares for its independence day celebrations. It also follows claims by insurgents that they have seized control of significant parts of the capital, Mogadishu, on the eve of the country’s independence observation.
The insurgents, including al-Shabab and Hezbul Islam rebel group, have refused to recognize the Somali government vowing to overthrow the administration and implement the strictest form of the Sharia law...more voa

Somali Islamists say they take over new positions in Mogadishu