(06-04-23) MOGADISHU – The three-day Frontline States Coordination Conference, aimed at fostering cooperation in the fight against terrorism, concluded on Thursday in Mogadishu, Somalia. U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, André, joined Somali leaders and international partners at the closing session, emphasizing the importance of careful planning, outreach, and coordination in the ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism and support communities seeking to live in peace.
The conference was chaired by Somali Defense Minister Abdukadir Mohamed Nur and attended by senior military officials from Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. Representatives from the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), European Union, Turkey, Qatar and the African Union (AU) were also present as friends of Somalia, highlighting the international commitment to eradicate terrorism in the region.
Throughout the three-day event, participants discussed strategies to strengthen cooperation among frontline states and coordinate military operations to root out terrorist groups operating in Somalia. Attendees also focused on ways to prevent the spread of terrorism beyond Somalia’s borders and the necessary support mechanisms for communities affected by extremist violence.
In his closing remarks, Amb. André stressed the importance of collaboration and unity among the participating countries and reiterated the United States’ commitment to working closely with its partners in the region. He noted that only through a concerted effort can terrorism be defeated and lasting peace be achieved for the people of Somalia and neighboring countries.
The conference concluded with all parties agreeing to establish mechanisms for linking up and coordinating their military operations, as well as sharing intelligence and best practices in the fight against terrorism. The participants also pledged to continue working together to build a more secure and peaceful region, free from the threat of extremist violence.
