Kampala – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Kampala, Uganda, and participated in the country’s major summit, which was officially held on Friday, serving on Somali’s African Union Transition Mission (Ousom).
The summit brings together local leaders to gradually shift the future of security cooperation and security responsibility for the Somali people.
The president’s visit comes at a critical time in Somalia’s continued battle with the Al-Shabaab militants known as “Kawariji” by Somali authorities.
The conflict reached a delicate stage, especially in Somalia, central and southern Somalia. There, the National Army and Allied Militia are intensifying operations to regain territory under extremist control.
The summit presents an important opportunity for President Hassan Sheikh to briefly explain fellow African leaders about the progress made by the Somali government and those facing extremist groups.
His participation underscores Somalia’s commitment to real cooperation with neighboring countries to eradicate the threat of terrorism throughout the region.
The Kampala Summit is particularly timely as it coincides with an ongoing strategic review of Osom’s role in Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh’s speech is expected to have considerable political and diplomatic weight as plans are underway to completely transfer security responsibility to the Somali people in the near future.
