Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh deepens security collaboration with Burundi during regional tour

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in Bujumbura, the heart of Burundi, for a diplomatic shuffle around the neighborhood, aiming to bolster ties and teamwork on security issues. Cozying up at the Presidential Palace, President Hassan Sheikh and President Évariste Ndayishimiye swapped thoughts on safeguarding their nations and boosting economic bonds.

While there, Hassan Sheikh tipped his hat to Burundi for stepping up in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

President Ndayishimiye threw a nod to Somalia, applauding its success against the Al-Shabaab faction and its new spot in the East African Community. He also gave props to Somalia and the United Nations for ditching the long-standing arms embargo, dubbing it a “huge leap” toward Somali autonomy and safety.

This jaunt falls under a grander diplomatic hustle by President Hassan Sheikh, kicking off in Uganda over the weekend. There, he rubbed elbows with President Yoweri Museveni, chatting about neighborly bonds, peace in the region, and prepping for Somalia’s shift from ATMIS to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

With ATMIS winding down by December 2024, AUSSOM plans to take the reins in 2025, rolling out with around 11,000 troops ready to keep city streets safe and guard key sites as Somali forces step up.

After wrapping things up in Burundi, President Hassan Sheikh plans to jet over to Djibouti next.

This journey is part of a greater push as Somalia rallies support while edging closer to defending its own turf in the long run. 

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring