Somalia, Germany Discuss Stronger Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and Germany have discussed expanding defence cooperation, including support for the Somali National Army and maritime security, as Mogadishu works to prepare its forces to assume greater responsibility for national security.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Somali military deputy chief of staff Major General Mohamed Ali Bariise and Germany’s defence attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Lüx, at the Somali military headquarters in Mogadishu.

The two officials reviewed the security situation in the Horn of Africa and Somalia’s plans to take over security responsibilities from international forces, with particular attention to military capacity-building and cooperation in maritime security.

Germany’s support for training and strengthening Somali forces was also discussed, according to the Somali military.

The talks come as Somalia faces pressure to build a more capable and self-reliant national army amid changes to the African Union’s military presence and continuing operations against Al-Shabaab.

Developing maritime security capabilities is also a significant priority for Somalia, which has a coastline of more than 3,300 kilometres along the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. Securing its waters is important for protecting fishing resources, commercial shipping and coastal communities.

Germany has been among Somalia’s international partners in efforts to strengthen state institutions and security capabilities.

The latest meeting points to continued engagement between the two countries as Somalia seeks to develop forces capable of managing both land-based security threats and maritime challenges.