Somalia, UK discuss strengthening defence cooperation amid rising Al-Shabaab threat

Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on Wednesday held talks in Mogadishu with Harriet Mathews, the UK Director General for Africa and the Americas at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, alongside British Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis.

According to local media, the meeting focused on strengthening the Somalia–UK strategic defence partnership. Key topics included accelerating joint efforts against Al-Shabaab, advancing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and enhancing the operational capacity of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).

The two sides also discussed broader cooperation on security and humanitarian issues.

Fiqi, who recently assumed the defence portfolio following his transfer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is holding a series of high-level meetings as he takes office.

The United Kingdom is a key partner to the Somali government, providing training and support to Somali forces and playing an active role in the fight against Al-Shabaab.