Somalia strengthens international ties and security transition efforts

Somalia security transition UK humanitarian aid African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia Somalia-Mauritania diplomatic agreements South West State dispute

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Somalia during the first visit to the country by Kirsty McNeill, Minister for Development and Africa. During meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and leaders from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), McNeill emphasized the need for a sustainable transition to Somali-led security and urged political leaders to pursue constructive dialogue to strengthen national unity.

The visit also highlighted humanitarian efforts, with the UK having reached over 950,000 people last year through aid and climate resilience programs. McNeill inspected a World Food Programme warehouse in Mogadishu to observe how UK-backed assistance addresses drought and food insecurity.

In separate political developments, Somalia’s Cabinet approved two agreements with Mauritania regarding political consultations and diplomatic training. Additionally, former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has rejected federal government allegations linking his Darawish forces to Al-Shabaab, warning that such claims could endanger civilians and undermine the African Union mission's neutrality.