Somalia president meets top ministers on the sidelines of US-Africa summit

WASHINGTON, USA - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has held a meeting with two top US ministers ahead of Wednesday's date with his counterpart Joe Biden, as he strives to better the relationship between Mogadishu and Washington and helps the country tackle internal problems.

The president held sideline meetings with US Defense Secretary Llyod Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who are instrumental in America's foreign and security policies. The president is attending the US-Africa summit which is hosted by President Joe Biden.

Also in attendance were Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum focused on regional stability and humanitarian aid coordination. The two countries are also facing severe drought and terrorism just like Somalia.

Top of the agenda was the emphasis on the impact of terrorism in Africa's quest for stability and development. Somalia, which is fighting the Al-Shabaab menace, has managed to liberate several villages in Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle regions, particularly in Galgaduud, Hiiraan, and Bay areas.

US Africa Command along with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and local militia have been instrumental in the operation, with the US troops offering aerial surveillance. The US has also been training the elite Danab Special forces in the country.

Reports by security teams indicate that a defeated Al-Shabaab has started vacating their strongholds and some even deserted their mission and decided to return home. Kenyan security officers have already arrested militants believed to be of Tanzanian and Ethiopian origin.

Also, Hassan Sheikh discussed the severe impact of the drought on the Somali people's lives and how climate change is a major factor in this. He praised the joint plans based on climate cooperation, with the Somali government prioritizing environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

Somalia is facing severe drought which has displaced millions of people who are now struggling to be registered as IDPs in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. The camp, which has now been stretched, is calling for assistance from members of the international partners who are yet to respond effectively.

GAROWE ONLINE