The Lower Shabelle Governor, Mohamed Ibrahim Barre has said that the cordial relations and cooperation existing between the Africa Union Transition Mission in Somalia/Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and Local Authorities in the Lower Shabelle region especially Quoryoole, have been crucial in preventing the Al-Shabaab militant group from taking over the town.
He said this during the assessment of the River Shabelle Bridge that was broken by Al-Shabaab’s improvised explosive device attack. “It is not a surprise that Al-Shabaab blew up this bridge. It was to show their displeasure with us for denying them the chance to control the town. This is all thanks to the cooperation and efforts of all security forces and leaders,” said Ibrahim Bar.
The Governor noted that as a result of the destroyed bridge, heavy and light vehicles find it difficult to access the town and beyond hence commodities and other supplies have dwindled leading to an increase in the cost of living. “There is an urgent need to repair the damaged bridge for quick service delivery and also enable people to take their agricultural products to the market,” said Mohamed Ibrahim.
The Sector One Contingent Commander, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi expressed gratitude for the good cooperation with all stakeholders in Lower Shabelle which has yielded impressive results. “Unity is strength. This strength has been exhibited especially here in Quoryoole where on several occasions Al-Shabaab have been defeated whenever they attempt to attack this town,” said Brig Gen Mbuusi.
He added that he is with the Governor and team to assess the impact of the damaged bridge as a gesture of comradeship.
Quoryoole which is 105 km Northwest of Mogadishu city, lies astride the famous River Shabelle. Early in 2023, the bridge connecting Quoryoole town with the rest of the country was destroyed when a donkey cart laden with bombs blew it causing damage.
The Governor was accompanied by Sultan Warsame, Chief Elder Nur Shakoy Jibriil, Abdiwal Mohamed Ibrahim and other local leaders.
