Wednesday May 7, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with General Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in Mogadishu on Tuesday to discuss strengthening security cooperation and accelerating joint efforts to combat Al-Shabaab.
According to Villa Somalia, the talks focused on enhancing coordination under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) framework and improving the Somali government’s ability to lead counterterrorism operations.
“Discussions focused on accelerating joint counterterrorism efforts and strengthening coordination within the broader multi-partner framework, including AUSSOM,” the presidency said in a statement.
The meeting comes as Somali security forces, backed by international partners, are intensifying their campaign against Al-Shabaab and ISIS across several regions of the country.
Separately, Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Somali National Army Chief Maj. Gen. Odawaa Yusuf Raage met with General Langley and U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley. Senior AFRICOM officials also attended the high-level defense talks.
The officials discussed ongoing military operations, with a focus on increasing joint efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab and ISIS, groups that continue to threaten Somalia’s stability and regional security.
The defense leaders reviewed U.S. support for Somali military buildup, including air support, training, and the provision of equipment. They also discussed the importance of intelligence sharing and improving the Somali military’s operational capabilities.
Minister Fiqi expressed appreciation for the continued U.S. assistance. “We are grateful for the United States’ support in our efforts to liberate territory and restore hope for the Somali people,” he said.