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Somalia’s Land Forces Commander, Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, widely known as General Khalid, held a crucial meeting with the Commander of the Nigerian Infantry, Major General Usman Abdulmumin Yusuf, in Kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday. The meeting centered on enhancing military cooperation between Somalia and Nigeria, with a strong focus on strengthening their joint efforts to combat terrorism across Africa.
During the discussion, both military leaders agreed on the importance of deepening collaboration in key areas such as sharing battlefield experience, conducting joint training programs, and expanding cooperation between the two armies. The commanders recognized that both nations face similar security challenges from extremist groups that threaten regional peace and stability, making such partnerships essential in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
General Khalid emphasized Somalia’s commitment to building strong defense partnerships with African countries that share the same vision of peace and security. He noted that working closely with Nigeria—one of Africa’s largest military powers—will help the Somali National Army gain valuable experience and technical expertise in counterterrorism operations. The cooperation is expected to not only strengthen Somalia’s internal defense capacity but also contribute to broader regional stability.
A statement from the Somali government confirmed that the meeting was part of a larger initiative aimed at improving Somalia’s defense systems and promoting military diplomacy with other nations. The government highlighted that the Somali National Army (SNA) is actively working to enhance its operational capabilities through international partnerships that focus on training, logistics, and modern warfare techniques.
Over the past few years, Somalia has made significant progress in rebuilding its military forces after decades of conflict. With support from international partners, including African and Western allies, the country has been restructuring its army to become self-reliant in maintaining peace and defending national sovereignty. The meeting in Kigali reflects a continued push by the Somali government to form lasting military relationships that can help sustain this progress.
Nigeria, on the other hand, has a long history of combating insurgencies such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). Its experience in counterinsurgency warfare, intelligence sharing, and coordinated ground operations makes it a valuable partner for Somalia as it continues to battle the al-Shabaab militant group. The cooperation between the two armies will provide an opportunity for Somalia to learn from Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategies, while Nigeria can also benefit from Somalia’s experiences in dealing with extremist networks in the Horn of Africa.
Both sides expressed their commitment to establishing a framework for long-term military collaboration. This would include regular joint training sessions, exchange programs for military officers, and the sharing of intelligence and combat strategies to enhance operational readiness. They agreed that the future of Africa’s security depends heavily on collective efforts and cross-border cooperation among its military institutions.
The meeting between General Khalid and General Yusuf also symbolizes the growing recognition that terrorism is not confined by borders and requires a united front among African nations. By working together, Somalia and Nigeria aim to strengthen not only their national defenses but also contribute to a more stable and secure continent.
In conclusion, the engagement in Kigali reinforces Somalia’s ongoing efforts to professionalize and modernize its armed forces through international cooperation. It also reflects a shared African commitment to confronting terrorism and ensuring peace across regions affected by instability.