Mogadishu August 07, 2023 (SD) – The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) met with Somalia’s neighboring countries, to enhance security and stability in Somalia, and have agreed to intensify cooperation in the fight against Al-Shabaab insurgency.

A meeting was convened in the city of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, attended by Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Head of AMISOM, Brigadier General Okiding, and the Commander of neighboring countries’ forces, Major General Mohamed Bariise.

In the past year, Somalia and the surrounding countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya) have agreed to collaborate closely in a concerted military offensive against the significant threat posed by Al-Shabaab, known as “Operation Black Leopard,” which aims to dismantle the Shabab’s footholds across the Horn of Africa region, ensuring peace not only for Somalia but also for the entire region.

The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting chaired by the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, attended by the leaders of Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.

The conference also emphasized the importance of sharing intelligence, coordinating joint actions, and strengthening the overall military effort against Al-Shabaab, both within and beyond the borders of Somalia.

Ambassador Souef expressed AMISOM’s commitment to supporting this initiative and helping to facilitate the success of Somalia and the region’s stability.

The Head of AMISOM also provided updates on military operations and plans.

Brigadier General Okiding highlighted the significant role of the neighboring countries’ forces in devising a comprehensive strategy to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.