
Tuesday December 10, 2024

U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley (left) and Somali Police Chief Asad Osman Abdullahi (right) pose for a photo following their meeting in Mogadishu, where they discussed strengthening security and transitioning control of liberated areas from Al-Shabaab.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's Police Chief, Asad Osman Abdullahi, and U.S. Ambassador Richard H. Riley have outlined joint efforts to secure areas recently reclaimed from Al-Shabaab during a meeting in Mogadishu.
The discussions reflect deepening cooperation between the two nations, centred on preventing militant resurgence and bolstering Somali police capabilities.
The talks come as Somali forces, with international support, push to eliminate Al-Shabaab's remaining footholds in southern and central Somalia. Attention now turns to stabilizing these regions through effective policing, particularly as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) continues withdrawing.
"Stability in liberated areas is key to lasting peace," said Abdullahi, stressing the need for police forces to fill the vacuum left by retreating militants swiftly. Recent instances of Al-Shabaab reclaiming control in some territories underscore the urgency of these measures.
Ambassador Riley reaffirmed Washington's commitment to supporting Somalia's efforts to rebuild its police force and ensure a seamless transition as ATMIS draws down its presence.
While progress has been made, challenges persist. Some liberated regions remain vulnerable due to gaps in security infrastructure, leaving communities at risk of renewed violence. The Somali government has called on international allies to step up support, emphasizing the need for resources and expertise to empower police forces.
Somali officials are hailing the partnership as pivotal in addressing the immediate threats posed by Al-Shabaab and the root causes of insecurity that have long plagued the country. With a focus on community-oriented policing, Somalia aims to turn its recent military successes into a foundation for sustainable peace.
Al-Shabaab, Arabic for "The Youth," emerged in the mid-2000s as the militant wing of Somalia's Islamic Courts Union. The group aims to overthrow the internationally-backed federal government. Affiliated with al-Qaeda since 2012, Al-Shabaab has orchestrated numerous attacks across Somalia and East Africa, targeting civilians, government officials, and international forces. Despite military setbacks, it continues to exploit local grievances and governance gaps to maintain influence, posing a persistent threat to regional stability.