(14-06-23) KISMAYO — US AFRICOM Commander, General Michael E. Langley, landed in Kismayo, Jubaland on Wednesday, to meet with the region’s President, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe. This meeting comes amidst increased military involvement of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the region, highlighting the intricate political dynamics shaping the security landscape in Somalia.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officers from AFRICOM, ATMIS, Jubaland’s security agencies, and Somalia’s national army, to chart the path for the second phase of counter-terrorism operations. The primary focus was on tackling the Al-Shabaab threat that has been casting a long, ominous shadow over the region.
Commander Langley expressed firm commitment to assisting Jubaland in its security pursuits and eradicating Al-Shabaab, appreciating the regional administration’s readiness to take swift action against the extremist group. “We stand steadfast in our resolve to support Jubaland in its security initiatives and fight against Al-Shabaab,” General Langley affirmed.
President Madobe echoed this sentiment by encouraging ATMIS officers and Somali troops to gear up for an imminent drive against Al-Shabaab, particularly in the Central Juba region, a known stronghold of the terrorist group.
However, the meeting between the US AFRICOM Commander and Jubaland President took place against a backdrop of increasing UAE military involvement in the region. Recently, a UAE-sponsored military base was unveiled in Kismayo, potentially signalling a shift in the region’s geopolitical alignments.
Earlier this year, Madobe had come under scrutiny after signing a contentious security and military agreement with the UAE, leading to the arrival of significant quantities of military vehicles, weapons and ammunition at Kismayo port. This move has stirred concerns regarding a possible divergence of interests between the US and UAE in Somalia, adding another layer of complexity to the nation’s security outlook.
The strategic balance that President Madobe needs to strike between these global power players, given the security challenges that Somalia faces, is being closely watched by the international community.
While the visit of the US AFRICOM Commander to Jubaland is a reaffirmation of international support for the fight against terrorism in the region, it is also reflective of the intricate diplomatic manoeuvring that forms an integral part of this ongoing battle.
