(23-Feb-23) Nairobi, Kenya – The Chiefs of Defence Forces from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia have signed a joint operation plan to combat terrorist groups in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. This landmark agreement was reached after a meeting of the leaders, where they discussed the concept of the operation and signed the Joint Operation Plan. The goal of this joint operation is to eradicate terrorist groups’ presence in the region and restore peace and stability.
General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, the Chief of the Somali Armed Forces, expressed his optimism that the discussions held during the meeting would lead to lasting peace and stability in Somalia and other frontline states that have been affected by armed groups’ insurgency. He highlighted that the peace and security agenda is a critical pillar in the integration process of frontline states, and the region must unite to address the common threat posed by armed groups.
The meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces was a follow-up to the Somalia Frontline States Summit held in Mogadishu, Somalia, on February 1, 2023. During the summit, the heads of state agreed unanimously to work together to plan and organize a robust operational campaign against terrorism attacks at the frontline states’ level. They also agreed to rebuild and modernize Somalia’s security forces to ensure they are well equipped to contain any acts of terrorism insurgency.
