Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has concluded visits to Uganda and Burundi to strengthen security ties essential for combating Al-Shabaab, discussing collaboration in security, trade, and regional stability, crucial as the peacekeeping mandate expires in December.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has concluded official visits to Uganda and Burundi aimed at strengthening security collaborations with these nations, which have been significant contributors to the African Union peacekeeping efforts in Somalia. During his visit to Kampala, President Mohamud engaged in discussions with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni regarding enhanced cooperation in security, trade, and developmental projects, as well as extending support to the Somali Security Forces and the Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). A joint statement released after their meeting highlighted, “The two heads of state exchanged views on the security situation in Somalia and the region and underscored the need to maintain peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa and in the African continent as a whole. They commended the sacrifices made by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somali Security Forces in pacifying the country and the fight against (the) Al-Shabaab (terrorist group).” Additionally, President Mohamud’s tour included a meeting with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, where both leaders identified the importance of strengthening commercial and diplomatic ties, thereby fostering a robust partnership. According to Somali Information Minister Daud Aweis, they discussed the crucial involvement of Burundian forces in the peacekeeping mission and explored avenues to enhance their collaborative efforts to promote regional stability. Political analyst Abdiasis Abdirahman has remarked that President Mohamud’s visits serve as preparations for the upcoming African Union mission, given that the present peacekeeping mandate is set to expire in December. He commented, “This visit was long overdue because Somalia is facing serious security challenges and the government needed to ensure that there wouldn’t be a vacuum after the current mission ends.” Uganda and Burundi have been pivotal in contributing military personnel to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and ATMIS, facing off against the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization, which has been engaged in conflict with the Somali government and external forces since 2007. The group has intensified its attacks following President Mohamud’s declaration of an “all-out war” against it.
The relationship between Somalia and its neighboring countries, particularly Uganda and Burundi, has been shaped by shared security challenges and the ongoing fight against terrorism, specifically from the armed group Al-Shabaab. Both Uganda and Burundi have significantly contributed troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), playing critical roles in maintaining peace and security in the region since 2007. The recent visits by the Somali President come at a crucial time when the current peacekeeping mandate is nearing its end, highlighting the urgent need for continuity in support and collaboration among African nations to address ongoing conflicts and foster stability in the Horn of Africa.
The official visits to Uganda and Burundi by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud represent a strategic endeavor to reinforce security partnerships amid pressing threats from terrorist organizations. Through dialogues centered on mutual cooperation in security, trade, and regional stability, these diplomatic efforts aim to ensure that past sacrifices by peacekeeping forces are built upon and that a supportive framework remains intact as the mandate for the current peacekeeping mission approaches its expiration. Continued collaboration with Uganda and Burundi is anticipated to be vital for Somalia’s quest for stability in the face of persistent security challenges.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
