Hassan Sheikh in US to push for lifting of UN arms embargo on Somalia

WASHINGTON, USA - The president of the Federal Government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will be travelling from US capital Washington DC for New York today, in a trip which would see him put a spirited effort in convincing the United Nations to lift Somalia's arms embargo and other sanctions impeding fight against terrorism.

Somalia was slapped with arms embargo over three decades ago during the civil war and the decision has greatly affected the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group which is using sophisticated weapons to terrorize innocent civilians and security forces in the Horn of Africa nation.

Hassan Sheikh, who is serving his second term as president, maintains that arms embargo has hampered building the capacity of Somali security forces over the years, and specifically at a time when the country prepares for taking full security responsibility from the African Union peacekeeping mission.

Already, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] has activated withdrawal process in line with Somali Transition Plan [STP], with the first 2,000 soldiers set to leave the country from this month. In subsequent months, the soldiers are also set to leave in beats.

On Wednesday, Hassan Sheikh held a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin III, who praised Somalia's progress real progress at a very dangerous time. Austin said the two men are meeting at a key moment in Mohamud's presidency as the African Union begins a drawdown in the country and Somali forces are stepping up.

"This period will be especially important given the ongoing hostilities — including instability in Sudan — and the persistent threat of al-Shabaab," Austin said. "I've been encouraged to hear of the continued success of the current phase of Somali-led operation against al-Shabaab in central Somalia. Our cooperation on these operations is crucial, and we stand ready as your partner as you defend yourselves against these dangerous and violent forces."

The United States also stands ready to aid Somalia against other dangers, including providing effective responses to climate shocks such as the current drought. The drought has caused hunger and devastation in Somalia and throughout the Horn of Africa, Department of Defence reports.

Austin thanked the Somali president for the "transparency of your security initiatives and the inclusion of key international partners in the planning of the Somali-led transition. As we look to 2025 and beyond, I remain grateful for the willingness of your government and your people to host our forces in Somalia."

On his part, Mohamud thanked Austin for America's aid and support over more than three decades. While still facing tremendous hurdles, the country is closer to peace than it has been for a long time, the president said. "I would like to extend my gratitude to the United States government for the assistance to the Somali people in our fight against al-Shabaab," he told Austin.

"Somalia has been in a unique situation," the president said. "We are again and again very grateful for the support provided by the United States. Many issues that I have raised with you last time when I visited here [are] still standing. But so far, we are so good, and we are very much satisfied for the level of support provided."

GAROWE ONLINE