(SomaliNet) Somalia’s president Abdulahi Yusuf Ahmed admitted that there are still Islamist elements hiding in the capital who are responsible for the recent explosions and attacks that rocked Mogadishu. Mr. Yusuf made the statement in special meeting with the intellectuals, politicians and elders of the Sa’ad sub-clan of Habar-Gidir clan of Hawiye tribe over how they would support the transitional government. “It is certain that the Islamists leaders who were ousted from Mogadishu left behind elements... they are hiding in the city. Those who are throwing bombs every night are the ones left here,” said president Yusuf citing early pledges by the Islamist leaders that they had changed the strategy of their war into guerrilla fighting, mining, bombing, hit and run attacks. Mr. Yusuf who has for the first time met with the Sa’ad sub-clan since his arrival in the capital said he is asking that the government should be helped restore the peace and stability in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu. “If we are all honest in restoring the dignity, nationalism the stability in the country, actually no one can hide inside the capital and kill the peace. We must collectively prevent the troublemakers and destroy all the eggs left by the ousted Islamists,” president Yusuf told the attendees of the meeting which took place in the presidential palace.
Mr. Yusuf said that it is essential to immediately form an administration for Banadir province and its districts and also build up the police stations to bring peace and security in the capital and then whole the country. “The administration can do nothing alone without security forces who will deal with criminals,” he said.
TodayÂ’s meeting with the key members of SaÂ’ad sub-clan is part of the presidentsÂ’ efforts to seek solution for the insecurity in Mogadishu which has seen days of insurgents attacks against the allied forces of Somalia and Ethiopia. Hussein Mohamed Aideed, the deputy minister and interior minister who was chairing the meeting confirmed the full support of his SaÂ’ad sub-clan for the government and showed readiness to work with the government to get out of the current crisis.