President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has returned to Eritrea for the fourth time in a year, amidst continuing efforts to combat Al-Shabaab militants. Despite progress in cracking down on the group, Al-Shabaab still controls large areas of rural central and southern Somalia. The president has been partnering with Eritrea in training and strengthening the military, which is actively involved in operations against the militants. The military is closely working with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the US Africa Command. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud plans to enhance security and defense cooperation with Eritrea during this visit. He will also be inspecting troops who have been trained in Eritrea and are preparing for the fight against Al-Shabaab. The duration of the visit has not been disclosed, but it is taking place during an important period of remobilization against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. Eritrea has been actively training Somali soldiers, including navy cadets, as part of their support to Somalia’s military efforts. Ethiopia and Uganda have also been involved in training Somali soldiers who have recently participated in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
