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Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met with his Yemeni counterpart, Lieutenant General Mohsen Mohammed Ahmed Al-Daari, in Cairo on Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen defense cooperation and improve security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The meeting included top military officials from both countries, including Major General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, the Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces.
The main focus of their talks was the urgent need to boost maritime security along the crucial shipping routes shared by Somalia and Yemen. Both ministers highlighted how illegal weapons trafficking remains a serious problem, with armed groups exploiting these routes to destabilize their countries and the surrounding region. They emphasized that addressing this challenge requires a unified and proactive approach.
Fiqi and Al-Daari agreed on several key measures to enhance security, including tighter control over illicit movements, improved counterterrorism strategies, and stronger safeguards for international maritime navigation. They also discussed the growing concern that Yemen’s Houthi movement and Somalia’s al-Shabaab could be working together across the Gulf of Aden, which would increase the threat level for both nations.
To respond to these challenges, Somali and Yemeni authorities pledged to step up cooperation in several areas. This includes sharing intelligence more effectively, conducting joint maritime patrols, and coordinating operations to intercept illegal activities. By working together, the two countries hope to protect their shared waters, prevent the flow of arms to violent groups, and maintain stability in a region that is critical for global trade.
The meeting reflects a broader commitment from both Somalia and Yemen to address security threats that cross national borders. By strengthening partnerships and taking coordinated action, the countries aim to reduce the influence of extremist groups, secure important shipping lanes, and support regional peace. Officials on both sides underscored that cooperation, vigilance, and proactive enforcement are essential to keeping the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden safe for commerce and travel.
Overall, the Cairo talks demonstrate that Somalia and Yemen are serious about confronting evolving security risks in a collaborative way. The ministers’ discussions and agreements mark a step forward in ensuring that maritime routes remain safe, arms trafficking is curtailed, and both countries are better prepared to face the complex threats posed by organized armed groups operating in the region.