Somalia President convenes security meeting after army loss in battle

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a National Security Council meeting on Sunday, just days after the Somali National Army (SNA) lost the battle to Jubaland regional forces in the strategic town of Raskamboni.

Although many details about the meeting were concealed, Hassan Sheikh, however, did discuss the ongoing withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops who shall be replaced by a leaner team dubbed African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Besides the transition, the team discussed strategies for reforming the Somali National Army whose weaknesses were undoubtedly exposed after clashing with the Jubbaland administration troops.

"President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud chaired the National Security Council meeting today, focusing on the country’s security and the ATMIS transition plan. Key discussions included strengthening national security, reforming Somali forces, and preparing for the Somali-led AU mission AUSSOM," state media reports.

"The meeting also addressed challenges facing farmers, such as illegal checkpoints in Middle and Lower Shabelle, which undermine production and economic growth. The President urged swift action to resolve these issues and unlock Somalia’s agricultural potential."

The Somali army, which is expected to assume much of the security responsibilities after ATMIS exit, is being set at loggerheads with regional troops, leading to their recent loss in Jubaland. Most of those affected in Raskamboni were picked from the elite Gorgor forces.

This comes as Somalia insisted its arrangements with Egypt on the AUSSOM transition remain intact, despite the recent meeting in Ankara that saw Ethiopia reconcile with Somalia after months of diplomatic onslaught over access to sea quest by Ethiopia.

Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty received a call from his Somali counterpart Ahmed Moallim Fiqi who briefed him about the outcomes of the recent tripartite Ankara Declaration. The two ministers agreed to continue joint coordination and prepare for holding the tripartite ministerial meeting between the foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia and Eritrea.

GAROWE ONLINE