By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday met with the newly appointed Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, to discuss strengthening security and counterterrorism cooperation between Somalia and the United States.
The talks, held at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, came at a critical moment as Somalia intensifies its offensive against the Al-Shabaab insurgency while seeking greater international support for stabilization.
Discussions focused on expanding joint efforts in counterterrorism, military training, and broader stabilization programs across Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Both leaders stressed the importance of further building the capacity of Somali security forces to assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
President Mohamud praised AFRICOM for its long-standing support to Somalia, including military assistance, targeted airstrikes against Al-Shabaab, and training initiatives for Somali forces. He reiterated his government’s commitment to defeating terrorism and fostering regional peace.
General Anderson, who assumed command of AFRICOM earlier this year, reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Somalia’s stability and emphasized the need for continued collaboration with Somali authorities and regional partners to consolidate security gains.
The visit was Anderson’s first official trip to Somalia since taking up his new post, underscoring the United States’ continued prioritization of Somalia within its wider Africa security strategy.
