Somalia, IMCTC Agree To Deepen Counterterrorism Cooperation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | RIYADH: Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and officials of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) have agreed to strengthen cooperation on countering extremist ideology and boosting Somalia’s security capacity during talks in Riyadh.

Fiqi met IMCTC Secretary General Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi at the coalition’s headquarters, where discussions focused on enhancing intelligence-sharing, training and strategic coordination in the fight against terrorism.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to support Somalia’s ongoing military operations against al Shabaab by improving institutional capacity within the defence sector and expanding technical collaboration with coalition member states.

For Somalia, deeper engagement with the IMCTC could translate into structured training programmes, counter-radicalisation initiatives and improved coordination mechanisms — areas viewed as critical as the country works to consolidate security gains and prepare for a gradual transition from international peacekeeping support.

Security analysts say such partnerships are increasingly important as Somalia seeks sustainable, Somali-led solutions to long-standing security threats.

Somalia is a founding member of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, reflecting its continued alignment with broader regional and international efforts to combat violent extremism.

The minister was accompanied by senior defence officials and Somalia’s diplomatic representatives in Riyadh.