Army Chief Meets AU Troops, Local Leaders on Baraawe Security

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BARAAWE: Somalia’s army chief, Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, has held security talks with military officers, African Union personnel and local leaders in Baraawe, as authorities seek to strengthen stability in the strategic coastal district of Lower Shabelle.

Major General Mohamud met Somali National Army officers, officials from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), traditional elders, district administrators and community representatives during a visit to the town on Tuesday.

The discussions focused on the security situation in Baraawe and surrounding areas, with participants examining ways to improve coordination between security forces, local authorities and communities.

The army chief also received briefings on ongoing security activities and urged troops to remain alert and prepared to counter Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a security threat in parts of southern Somalia.

Baraawe, the administrative capital of South West State, is strategically located along the country’s southern coastline. Maintaining security in the district is important to wider efforts to stabilise Lower Shabelle, a region that has experienced prolonged conflict involving government forces and Al-Shabaab.

The visit also comes as Somalia works to assume greater responsibility for national security under the transition from African Union-led operations to Somali-led efforts, with AUSSOM continuing to support the country’s security forces.