Somali president says efforts underway to prevent Israeli influence in Somaliland

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Aug. 1  – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his government was combining diplomatic efforts and other measures to prevent Israel from establishing a lasting presence or influence in Somaliland.

Speaking in parliament, Mohamud also addressed concerns over the withdrawal of African Union forces and reductions in international military support, saying Somalia had sufficient national capacity and military strength to manage its security challenges.

The president’s remarks come amid wider regional concerns over security arrangements in the Horn of Africa and the strategic importance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

However, analysts have drawn comparisons between Mohamud’s comments and statements made by Afghanistan’s former president Ashraf Ghani before the collapse of his government in August 2021.

Ghani had also insisted that Afghan security forces were capable of defending the country before the Taliban takeover following the withdrawal of U.S.-led international forces and a sharp decline in foreign military support.

Somalia continues to rely on international backing, including support for African Union peace operations, as it battles the Al-Shabaab militant group and works to strengthen its national security institutions.

GAROWE ONLINE