Deputy Prime Minister Mahad Mohamed Guled on Wednesday reacted to militant group Alshabaab orders to have all privately managed football pitches shut down.
Mr. Guled told youth in Mogadishu that despite security being the top priority in the Horn of Africa country the government seeks to ensure Somali youth access sporting facilities.
“We will work on encouraging sports for the youth and it’s the biggest part to be implemented. That is the way our president will lead us. That is the way the government will work†He said.
“If you don’t have security, you will not have a life. You will not get where to worship. So while we give priority to the security. We will encourage the youth and the sports†Deputy PM Guled said.
The government is pledging to ensure the sporting youth attend their football matches without fear as was in the past.
“Those times there was no order issued by anti-peace groups saying there will be no play at pitches of districts in Mogadishu. There was no fear of exploding football pitches. The youth never feared for his own life as to whether he will reach save at the football pitch or back to home. So the security is important to us†Guled said.
Alshabaab reportedly met with the owners of the privately owned stadiums in Mogadishu and ordered the sports facilities to be shut.
