Ruto Engages with Somalia’s President Amid Rising Terrorism by al Shabaab

On Thursday, September 5, President William Ruto convened with Somalia’s leader, Hassan Mohamud, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China. Their dialogue covered pivotal matters concerning regional security, especially the escalating threats posed by extremist factions like Al-Shabab.

Both heads of state reflected on the achievements of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with Kenya actively participating. ATMIS, a coalition featuring forces from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, currently carries out peacekeeping duties in Somalia. This mission is set to conclude in December; however, Kenya and Uganda are poised to transition into a new African Union operation, maintaining efforts to stabilize Somalia.

During their conversation, Ruto underscored Kenya’s dedication to enhancing regional stability, stressing the importance of continuous collaboration. He reiterated the necessity of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations in the Horn of Africa, particularly amid Somalia’s accusations against Ethiopia regarding sovereignty breaches.

This meeting unfolded against a backdrop of tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over disputes related to Somalia’s breakaway region. Ethiopia’s intentions to build a naval base on the Somali Red Sea coast, through a contentious memorandum of understanding, faced staunch opposition. In response, Somalia dismissed the memorandum as invalid, adding fuel to the ongoing tensions.

Furthermore, Ruto and Mohamud tackled pressing climate issues that have exacerbated food insecurity and led to widespread displacement. They devised strategies aimed at bolstering climate resilience and promoting sustainable development to combat these pressing challenges effectively.

Seizing the moment, Kenya’s president encouraged Mohamud to back former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, underscoring the collaborative potential in navigating both regional security and governance issues.