Jubaland President meets U.S. Congressional delegation in Kismayo to discuss Counterterrorism Cooperation

Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam has on Monday held talks with a high-level U.S. congressional delegation in Kismayo, with counterterrorism cooperation and continued American support for security operations in the region topping the agenda.

The meeting, held on July 29, was attended by a delegation led by Congressman Ronny Jackson and comprising 11 members of the United States Congress. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Somalia Justin Davis and other officials also participated in the discussions.

According to the Jubaland State House, the talks focused on “bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, U.S. support for the security sector, institutional capacity building and other development priorities in Jubaland” .

The U.S. delegation reportedly praised the Jubaland administration’s sustained efforts in combating terrorism and commended recent successes achieved by Jubaland security forces and the Jubaland Danab Commandos.

The forces have, in coordination with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), conducted joint counterterrorism operations aimed at weakening militant groups operating in the region.

President Ahmed Mohamed Islam expressed appreciation for the continued support provided by the United States to the Somali people, according to the statement.

The meeting was also attended by Somali federal lawmakers, including MP Ahmed Abdi Kooshin, Secretary of the Defence Committee of the 11th Federal Parliament; MP Mursal Mohamed Khalif, Chairperson of the Somalia-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Committee; and MP Abdirashid Jire Qalinle, Jubaland’s representative to the Future of Somalia Council.

The discussions underscore continued U.S. engagement with Jubaland on security and counterterrorism matters as Somali and international partners work to strengthen local security capabilities and counter militant threats in southern Somalia.

Mustaqbal