Somalia, EU Pledge Stronger Defence Cooperation to Bolster Gains Against Al-Shabaab

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and the European Union have agreed to deepen security and defence cooperation to consolidate recent gains against Al-Shabaab insurgents, following high-level talks in Mogadishu on Tuesday.

Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and EU Ambassador Karin Johansson discussed expanding EU-backed military training, accelerating stabilisation efforts in newly liberated areas, and supporting reforms within Somalia’s defence sector.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts aimed at building a professional and capable Somali Armed Forces, capable of taking over security responsibilities from international forces.

Officials said the renewed cooperation will be critical to sustaining pressure on al Shabaab and advancing Somalia’s long-term goal of restoring national peace and stability.