Somalia: What Hassan Sheikh discussed with Afwerki

ASMARA, Eritrea - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Eritrea on Sunday in what is now turning out to be routine trips to the Red Sea nation, which is playing an integral role in developing and shaping local security forces in Somalia, a country fighting against instability.

For three decades, Somalia has struggled to contain pressure arising from internal wrangles, some of which have caused political rifts. There is massive ongoing rebuilding of the military, which was at some point completely dismantled.

Yemane Meskel, Eritrea's Information Minister, said ongoing efforts to combat terrorism featured in the meeting between the two leaders, who have met several times since the re-election of Hassan Sheikh, who is now serving his second term.

"Pre. Isaias Afwerki and President Hassan S. Mohamud held an extensive meeting at State House yesterday evening on the enhancement of bilateral ties of partnership as well as relevant regional and international matters," the influential minister said.

"President Hassan briefed his host on Somalia's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism," Yemane Meskel added while appreciating the close partnership between Eritrea and Somalia. The two countries are collaborating on matters of security and development.

Eritrea has been training elite soldiers from Somalia, in one of the arrangements that started a few years ago. The elite troops have been fighting Al-Shabaab, making significant gains in the process according to data obtained by the government of Somalia.

By the end of 2024, most soldiers serving in the country from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) are expected to leave the country in compliance with the Somali Transition Plan (STP). Already, 5000 soldiers have left the country.

Somalia maintains that local security teams can be able to handle security situations, but there are concerns about adequacy and preparations. Over 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the first phase of operations against the group.

GAROWE ONLINE