AFRICOM Commander Meets Somali President During East Africa Security Tour

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday as part of his regional tour of East Africa, underscoring Washington’s continued security partnership with Somalia amid ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab.

According to the Somali Presidency, the meeting focused on the security situation in Somalia and the wider region, the fight against terrorism, and efforts to strengthen defense and security cooperation between Somalia and the United States.

President Hassan Sheikh thanked the U.S. government for its continued support, saying the partnership has helped strengthen the capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces and contributed to efforts to improve security and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

General Anderson reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Somalia’s security sector, particularly through counterterrorism cooperation, military capacity-building, and broader strategic engagement between the two countries.

The Mogadishu meeting forms part of Anderson’s first official visit to East Africa since assuming command of AFRICOM. His regional itinerary has included Kenya, where he met President William Ruto, Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, and other senior officials to discuss regional security cooperation and shared efforts to counter extremist threats.

The U.S. delegation also visited Kismayo, where Anderson met leaders of Jubbaland and security officials to assess ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and discuss cooperation aimed at improving security in southern Somalia.

The visit highlights Washington’s continued engagement with Somalia and its regional partners as Somali forces, supported by international allies, continue military operations against Al-Shabaab while advancing long-term security sector reforms.

The United States remains one of Somalia’s principal security partners, providing training, intelligence, logistical support, and operational assistance to Somali security forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab. Anderson’s visit comes as both countries seek to deepen military cooperation and reinforce regional efforts to address persistent security challenges.