President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud meets AFRICOM Commander as U.S. support for security focuses on Al-Shabab

The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, received a briefing from U.S. military officials in Africa, thanking them for their role in supporting the rebuilding of Somalia’s national forces.

The meeting held in Mogadishu was attended by the Commander of U.S. Forces for Africa General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, along with U.S. diplomats from the Embassy of the United States in Somalia.

Lasting for several hours, the discussion focused on U.S. support for Somalia’s security, particularly efforts related to the fight against Al-Shabab fighters and the reconstruction and strengthening of Somalia’s forces.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed appreciation to the United States for its ongoing commitment and steadfast support, saying that cooperation between the two countries helps strengthen Somalia’s national military capacity.

General Anderson on his part reiterated that the United States remains committed to continuing its support to Somalia especially in areas concerning the fight against Al-Shabab and the training and capability-building of Somalia’s military equipment and forces.

The meeting comes at a time when the United States has reportedly stopped funding through the United Nations Office in Somalia under which forces such as AUSSOM operate.

The meeting also underscored the seriousness of ongoing operations against Al-Shabab across Somalia, with Somali security forces and international partners continuing coordinated efforts aimed at degrading the group’s ability to recruit, move, and carry out attacks.

Officials emphasized that steady pressure on extremist networks is contributing to gradual improvements in security conditions in key areas, strengthening public confidence and enabling further stabilization efforts.

Mustaqbal