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High-level talks in Mogadishu focus on boosting joint counterterrorism efforts, improving coordination under AUSSOM, and enhancing U.S. military support for Somalia’s security forces
On Tuesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held an important meeting in Mogadishu with General Michael E. Langley, the head of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The goal of the meeting was to strengthen the partnership between Somalia and the United States, especially in fighting the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
The discussions were centered around improving security cooperation between the two countries. They also talked about how to work more closely under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is a framework aimed at helping Somalia build peace and stability. One key focus was on helping the Somali government lead its own fight against terrorism more effectively.
According to Villa Somalia, the official office of the president, both leaders agreed on the need to move faster in their joint efforts to combat terrorism. They also stressed the importance of better coordination between all the partners involved in supporting Somalia’s peace and security, including international organizations and neighboring countries.
This high-level meeting comes at a time when Somali forces, with help from their international allies, are stepping up their operations against Al-Shabaab and the ISIS terrorist group. These two groups have caused a lot of suffering in Somalia and have also become a threat to the security of the entire region.
In a separate meeting, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and the Chief of the Somali National Army, Major General Odawaa Yusuf Raage, also met with General Langley and the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley. Senior U.S. military officials from AFRICOM also took part in these discussions.
During this second meeting, the officials talked in detail about the ongoing military operations in different parts of Somalia. They focused on how both the Somali and U.S. forces can increase their efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab and ISIS. Both groups continue to carry out attacks that hurt innocent people and slow down the country’s development.
Another key topic of the talks was the kind of support the U.S. is giving to Somalia. This includes air support during missions, training Somali soldiers, and providing military equipment. Intelligence sharing—sharing important information about enemy movements and plans—was also discussed as a way to make operations more successful.
The Somali defense officials expressed their deep appreciation for all the help the U.S. has been giving. Minister Fiqi thanked the United States for standing by Somalia in its efforts to bring back peace and control over areas that had been taken over by terrorist groups. “We are grateful for the United States’ support in our efforts to liberate territory and restore hope for the Somali people,” he said.
These meetings show that Somalia and the U.S. are working closely to improve security and bring stability back to the country. The partnership aims to make sure that Somali forces become strong enough to lead the fight against terrorism on their own in the near future.
For now, with continued international support and commitment, Somalia hopes to build a safer and more stable future for its citizens.