Thursday February 1, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called for increased international support to combat terrorism and uphold national sovereignty at a security conference in the United Arab Emirates. The meeting, which saw participation from Qatar, the United States, the UK, and Turkey, focused on combating the terrorist group al-Shabab. Mohamud highlighted the Somali armed forces' recent successes in recapturing key areas from al-Shabab and stressed the importance of self-sufficiency in security.
Mohamud also warned against foreign interference in Somalia's affairs, particularly criticizing a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland that grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera. He urged Ethiopia and Somaliland to revoke the agreement, emphasizing Somalia's territorial integrity.
The controversy over the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU, which has drawn criticism from Egypt and the United States, threatens regional stability and could embolden al-Shabab. Mohamud's appeal at the UAE conference follows a significant diplomatic achievement in December 2023, when the UN lifted a long-standing arms embargo on Somalia, allowing the country to better equip its armed forces.
President Mohamud thanked the UAE and other international partners for their support in Somalia's fight against terrorism and efforts towards development and humanitarian aid.