(24-09-23) DJIBOUTI — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met on Sunday in Djibouti, marking their second meeting since June when they convened at the Pentagon. The leaders focused on strengthening the security partnership between their two nations, discussed support for combating terrorism, and explored the possibility of lifting the decades-long arms embargo on Somalia.
The dialogue was also attended by the Somali Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur. The meeting could set the stage for enhanced military collaboration as both nations grapple with the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, the extremist group active in the Horn of Africa.
Secretary Austin commended Somalia’s progress in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to assist the Somali government. “The U.S. government is committed to helping the Somali government ensure security and fight against terrorism,” he said.
For his part, President Mohamud lauded the resilience and efforts of the Somali people and their Armed Forces in combating terrorism domestically. “Al-Shabaab remains a challenge not just for Somalia but also for the security and development of the entire region,” stated Mohamud, emphasising the need for international cooperation to defeat the group.
The meeting comes amid increasing pressures in the Horn of Africa due to the activities of Al-Shabaab and could prove pivotal for future military cooperation between the U.S. and Somalia. Secretary Austin is set to travel to Kenya and Angola later this week. Kenya and Djibouti are part of the countries contributing to the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Halqabsi News
