The President of the Jubaland State, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madoobe), met in Kismayo with the French Ambassador to Somalia and Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, with the meeting focusing on the security situation, the fight against armed groups and the general situation in Somalia.
The meeting discussed the security situation in Jubaland and Somalia in general, in particular efforts to strengthen the fight against Al-Shabaab, which is still active in parts of the southern and central regions of the country.
President Ahmed Madoobe and the French Ambassador also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of security, counter-terrorism and support for efforts to ensure peace and stability.
The parties discussed the general situation in Somalia, agreeing on the importance of continuous cooperation between the Somali government, regional states and international partners, especially in the areas of security and the development of state institutions.
The meeting also discussed the development of social services and the humanitarian situation, stressing the need to increase international support for communities living in areas affected by conflict and insecurity.
President Ahmed Madobe was accompanied by the Minister of Planning, Investment and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed.
The meeting comes at a time when the security situation in Somalia remains a priority, as federal and state forces are conducting operations against Al-Shabaab.
Jubaland is one of the key areas in the fight against Al-Shabaab, as parts of the Juba and Gedo regions have long been areas where the group has established bases and corridors of operations.
France is one of the Western countries that has close ties with Somalia, especially in the areas of security, development and support for government institutions.
Paris is also participating in international efforts to support Somalia, as African Union and Somali forces face a critical juncture regarding the future of the security operation in the country.
The meeting between Ahmed Madobe and the French Ambassador can therefore be seen as part of efforts to strengthen Jubaland’s relations with international partners, particularly in the area of security and support for operations against armed groups.
The meeting also comes at a time when Somalia is at a sensitive political juncture, as the federal government and state governments are discussing issues related to security, elections and the country’s political future.
The international community has repeatedly reiterated the importance of Somali parties reaching a political consensus and resolving existing disputes through dialogue.
Security and political issues are particularly intertwined, as political instability can affect the fight against Al-Shabaab and efforts to build Somali security institutions.
