Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and US Embassy acting head Ruth Anne Stevens-Klitz have discussed military cooperation, the future of AUSSOM and support for operations against Al-Shabaab.
The meeting focused on strengthening strategic ties between Mogadishu and Washington, particularly in defence, military capacity-building and ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab, according to a statement from the Somali defence ministry.
The two officials also discussed the mandate and future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), amid ongoing efforts to transfer security responsibilities from international forces to Somali national troops.
They stressed the importance of ensuring that the security transition is carefully planned and coordinated, and takes into account the operational capabilities and readiness of Somali security forces.
The discussions come as Somalia faces uncertainty over the future of international military support, with the African Union mission tasked with supporting government forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab and helping stabilise areas recovered from the militant group.
The ministry said the officials also addressed the handover of a former AUSSOM military base in the coastal town of Baraawe to the Somali National Army.
The transfer was described as part of broader efforts to strengthen national forces and gradually place responsibility for the country's security in the hands of Somali institutions.
Baraawe, a strategic coastal town in the Lower Shabelle region, is among the locations where international forces have maintained a military presence as part of efforts to support Somalia's security operations.
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Fiqi briefed the US diplomat on military operations targeting Al-Shabaab and affiliated groups, which the government considers a major threat to Somalia's security and regional stability.
The minister reiterated the government's commitment to building a professional and capable national army able to protect the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
He also called for continued US support in military training, strengthening the capabilities of Somali forces, providing operational assistance and developing the country's defence capacity.
The United States has been a key security partner of Somalia, providing military assistance, training and support for operations against Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group that has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than a decade.
Washington has also supported Somali forces through air strikes targeting senior militants and operational facilities, as part of broader international efforts to weaken the group.
The meeting highlights the importance of continued international partnerships as Somalia seeks to assume greater responsibility for its security while confronting persistent militant threats.
Fiqi thanked the US government for its continued assistance, particularly its support for Somali-led military operations aimed at defeating militant groups and establishing lasting peace and stability.
Neither side disclosed specific new military commitments or agreements reached during the meeting.
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.
