Somalia Engages US and Kenya Over Security Partnership and Diplomatic Tensions

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu to reaffirm the bilateral partnership. The discussion covered expanded cooperation on counter‑terrorism, trade, investment and development, and highlighted concerns over the United States’ decision to end funding for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) after this year.

In a separate diplomatic effort, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council. The talks aimed to ease tensions after reports that Somali officials, including State Minister Abshir Bukhaari, were denied entry to Kenya. Both sides agreed to improve consular coordination, facilitate travel for citizens and officials, and strengthen overall bilateral relations amid broader regional security cooperation.