CIA chief pays surprise visit to Somalia
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Staff Reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 18-01-2024, 05:31PM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) boss, in a meeting which comes amid heightened airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, with the US Africa Command working closely with allies to degrade violent extremism in the Horn of Africa.
According to Villa Somalia, Hassan Sheikh hosted William J. Burns, the CIA boss who is critical on matters of investigation and strategic partnerships. The meeting took place on Wednesday just before Hassan Sheikh left for the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting in Uganda.
The two discussed 'regional issues of mutual interests' with the US being keen on matters of security and development. Hassan Sheikh and Burns, Villa Somalia adds, also had an opportunity to tackle terrorism in the Horn of Africa which has traditionally crippled Somalia.
"President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received Director William J. Burns of the CIA. They discussed regional issues of mutual interest and enhancing Somalia-U.S. strategic partnership in critical areas, including the fight against international terrorism and promoting regional stability," Villa Somalia wrote.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) collects, evaluates, and disseminates vital information on economic, military, political, scientific, and other developments abroad to safeguard national security. The US has massively invested in the agency which has had huge milestones on the international front.
CIA has importantly worked with Somali security forces and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in the identification and designation of Al-Shabaab militants, who have been wreaking havoc in the Horn of Africa nation, which has been battling with instability.
The Federal Republic of Somalia believes that by the end of 2024, Al-Shabaab militants would have been eliminated from the country. Already, ATMIS troops have started withdrawing from the country while handing over security responsibilities to the local troops.
GAROWE ONLINE
