Mogadishu Feb 01, 2023 (SD) – The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today chaired a meeting attended by the President of Kenya, William Ruto, the President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.

The meeting in Mogadishu aimed to unite the four countries in the fight against Al-Shabaab and weaken its power within Somalia and the region.

A statement from the meeting stated that the leaders agreed on the need for greater cooperation in supporting the neighboring countries involved in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab.

They also agreed to carry out joint operations to attack Al-Shabaab’s remaining locations and completely liberate Somalia, ease the withdrawal of ATMIS troops, and gradually transfer the security responsibility to the Somali military.

The statement also added that the leaders acknowledged the federal government of Somalia’s request for commitment and support from the neighboring countries with troops in Somalia to participate in the Somali military’s defeat and destruction of extremist groups.

The leaders also agreed on the importance of a joint approach to secure the borders, eliminate extremist activities on the borders, and ensure a legal passage for trade and movement of people.

They also appealed to their international friends to support the stabilization efforts in areas liberated from Al-Shabaab to enable the federal government to provide its basic services and establish its administration.