By Horn Africa News
BELEDWEYNE – A high-level delegation led by Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, arrived today in Beledweyne, the capital of Hiraan region, for an official working visit.
The minister and his delegation were warmly received at Ugaas Khalif International Airport by disputed Hirshabelle State’s Minister of Interior, Abdi Dahir Guure Karore, Hiraan Governor Muse Salaad Wehliye, members of the disputed Hirshabelle regional parliament, local district authorities, Somali National Army officers, and hundreds of residents representing different sections of society.
Upon arrival, the Djiboutian minister inspected a guard of honor mounted by Somali security forces and troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in which Djibouti plays a key role.
During his visit, the Foreign Minister is expected to hold a series of meetings with Djiboutian military officers stationed in Beledweyne under the AUSSOM mission. Discussions will reportedly focus on strengthening security cooperation, supporting stabilization efforts in Hiraan region, and reinforcing Djibouti’s longstanding commitment to Somalia’s peace and state-building process.
Djibouti remains one of Somalia’s closest regional allies and is among the African countries contributing troops to AUSSOM, primarily deployed in the central regions, where they continue to play a critical role in counter-insurgency operations against Al-Shabaab.
Djibouti troops joined the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2011, and in 2012 were stationed in Hiiraan, where they’ve played a crucial role in fighting Al-Shabaab, providing humanitarian aid, assisting with local governance, training Somali forces, and helping to secure the area, which locals call “Hiil-Walaal” (Brotherly-Help). Their presence helped improve the security situation, allowing the local economy and community life to begin to recover, though much work remains in building long-term stability.
