President Hassan Sheikh Meets U.S. Official On Sidelines Of AU Summit In Addis Ababa

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with a senior United States official on the sidelines of the recent African Union summit in Addis Ababa, focusing on strengthening security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and broader development priorities across Africa.

The Somali leader met privately with a U.S. representative identified as SBO Checker, according to confirmation from the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs. Discussions covered Somalia’s ongoing security challenges and the importance of sustained international support to consolidate gains made in stabilisation efforts.

U.S. officials expressed appreciation for the close partnership with Somalia, particularly in joint counterterrorism operations and security sector support. Washington also stressed the need for accelerated, measurable progress in institutional accountability, governance reforms, and the professionalisation of security institutions.

President Hassan Sheikh reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security agencies, improving oversight and accountability mechanisms, and working closely with international partners to secure long-term stability.

The meeting highlighted the deepening strategic relationship between Somalia and the United States, with both sides underscoring that durable peace will depend on continued cooperation in security reform, governance, and economic development.