President Mohamud, Djibouti Army Chief Pledge Closer Security Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Djibouti’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Zakaria Sheikh Ibrahim have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to closer defence cooperation and continued collaboration against Al-Shabaab during talks in Mogadishu, as regional military leaders gathered for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) commanders’ meeting.

The meeting underscored the longstanding security partnership between the two neighbouring countries, with both sides stressing the importance of coordinated regional efforts to strengthen stability, improve military cooperation and support Somalia’s ongoing security transition.

According to the presidency, President Mohamud thanked the government and people of Djibouti for their continued contribution to Somalia’s security, particularly through counterterrorism operations and support for rebuilding the country’s national security institutions.

General Ibrahim is in Mogadishu to participate in the AUSSOM Chiefs of Defence Forces meeting, where military leaders from troop-contributing countries are reviewing operational coordination, regional security cooperation and efforts to accelerate the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces while sustaining pressure on Al-Shabaab.

Djibouti has remained one of Somalia’s closest security partners, contributing troops to successive African Union missions for more than a decade. Under AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in 2025, Djiboutian forces continue to support Somali security forces in operations against Al-Shabaab and in protecting strategic population centres.

The talks reflect continued efforts by Somalia and its regional partners to strengthen cooperation as the country seeks to assume greater responsibility for its own security while maintaining international support for stabilisation and counterterrorism operations.