Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Iraq and Somalia have taken a significant step toward enhancing bilateral security cooperation following a meeting between Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari and his Somali counterpart, Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, in Baghdad. The two officials discussed a proposed security memorandum of understanding aimed at bolstering collaboration in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and border security management.
During a joint press conference held after the discussions, Al-Shammari highlighted Iraq’s willingness to support Somalia by providing specialized training, consultancy, and experience-sharing in combating terrorism. He specifically noted Iraq’s expertise in dealing with extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, both of which continue to pose security threats in Somalia. Al-Shammari praised Somalia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and pledged Iraq’s readiness to offer comprehensive assistance, including tactical and organizational support.
Somalia’s Interior Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail described his visit to Baghdad as highly productive, emphasizing the importance of Iraq’s experience in counter-terrorism operations and law enforcement. He revealed that his meetings included engagements with various officials within Iraq’s Interior Ministry and a visit to the Border Guard Command to observe operational strategies firsthand.
Ismail further stated that Somalia is seeking Iraq’s support in critical areas such as border protection and combating drug trafficking, both of which are key challenges facing Somalia’s national security infrastructure. The Somali minister expressed his country’s desire to benefit from Iraq’s advanced security methodologies and technical expertise, particularly in intelligence gathering and operational tactics.
Iraq’s involvement in Somalia’s security capacity-building aligns with Baghdad’s broader regional diplomacy strategy, emphasizing mutual cooperation and stability across the Middle East and Africa. By sharing its extensive experience in counter-terrorism gained from years of combating ISIS insurgency, Iraq aims to foster stronger international alliances in the fight against extremism.
The talks also reflect Somalia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its security infrastructure, especially in light of continued threats from extremist factions such as Al-Shabaab. By seeking international partnerships, Somalia aims to modernize its security apparatus and improve its ability to safeguard national sovereignty and public safety.
Both ministers underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and long-term collaboration to address shared security threats. They also hinted at the possibility of further agreements in areas such as counter-narcotics operations, cybersecurity, and joint intelligence exercises.
The security partnership between Iraq and Somalia marks a step forward in global efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime. With both nations facing similar security challenges, this cooperation has the potential to yield significant positive outcomes, including improved regional stability and stronger diplomatic ties between the Middle East and Africa.