Details From Somalia’s President Meeting With Ruto Al Shabaab Terrorism Surge
On Thursday, September 5, President William Ruto met with Somali President Hassan Mohamud on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a number of regional security issues, including an increase in terrorist threats, particularly from extremist groups such as Al-Shabab.
The Heads of State also discussed the successes of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), in which Kenya participates.
ATMIS is a multidimensional military force made up of troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda that is currently on a peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
We cherish our bilateral relations with Somalia and the continued cooperation on regional issues, including peace, security and climate action. Stability in the Horn of Africa is key in creating an environment conducive to development.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 5, 2024
Held talks with President @HassanSMohamud… pic.twitter.com/zKdGyne6yJ
The mission is scheduled to end in December of this year; however, Kenya and Uganda will continue to be part of the new African Union mission that will replace ATMIS to help stabilize Somalia.
During the meeting, President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to restoring regional stability, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation.
Ruto also emphasized the importance of upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Horn of Africa, despite Somalia’s accusation that Ethiopia violated sovereignty.
Mohamud met with Ruto amidst the ongoing conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia over the latter’s breakaway territory.
Ethiopia’s attempt to build a naval base on Somalia’s Red Sea coast under a memorandum of understanding was met with opposition.
Somalia declared the MoU null and void, resulting in the current struggles.
Ruto and Mohamud went on to discuss pressing climate-related challenges, noting that food insecurity had worsened, resulting in displacement.
To better address these challenges, both leaders devised strategies to improve climate resilience and sustainable development.
Kenya’s president also used the opportunity to rally Somalia’s President to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
Details From Somalia’s President Meeting With Ruto Al Shabaab Terrorism Surge
