Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has met British Ambassador Charles King in Mogadishu to discuss Somalia’s security situation, political developments and continued UK support for the country.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Britain's ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, at the presidential palace to discuss security and the country's political situation, the Somali presidency said.
The meeting focused on developments in Somalia and the two countries' cooperation on security and political affairs, according to a statement from the presidency.
Mohamud briefed the British envoy on the agenda discussed during the meeting and heard about Britain's role in supporting Somalia's efforts in those areas, the statement said. It did not provide further details of the discussions.
Britain is among Somalia's key international partners and has supported efforts to strengthen security, improve state institutions and combat armed groups operating in the country.
The meeting comes as Somalia faces continuing security challenges, including operations against Al-Shabaab militants and Islamic State fighters, as well as political disagreements over the country's governance and electoral arrangements.
The Somali government has been working with international partners to strengthen its security forces and gradually assume greater responsibility for national security as foreign troops continue to support operations against militant groups.
Britain is also among the countries contributing financial support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which helps Somali forces fight armed groups and stabilise areas recovered from militants.
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The mission has faced funding challenges as it seeks to sustain its operations across the country, raising concerns about the long-term financing of international security assistance.
AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025, with a mandate to support Somali security forces, protect key installations and help stabilise areas affected by conflict.
International backing remains important to the mission as Somalia works towards taking full responsibility for its security. The extent of that support has been a subject of continuing discussions among the Somali government, the African Union and international donors.
Britain has also provided assistance to Somali state institutions and security programmes as part of broader efforts to promote stability and strengthen government capacity.
The presidency did not announce any new agreements or specific decisions resulting from the meeting between Mohamud and King.
The discussions underscore the continuing engagement between Mogadishu and London as Somalia navigates security pressures and political challenges while seeking sustained international support for its stabilisation efforts.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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