RIYADH — Somalia’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has reached an agreement with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) to enhance cooperation in combating extremist ideology and strengthening national security capabilities.
The agreement was reached during high-level discussions held at the coalition’s headquarters in Riyadh, where the Minister was welcomed by IMCTC Secretary General Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
Strategic Coordination
Conversations centered on improving intelligence exchange, training programs, and strategic coordination in the counterterrorism effort.
According to officials, increased involvement with the IMCTC is expected to lead to organized training initiatives and counter-radicalization projects. These areas are deemed essential as Somalia works to solidify security achievements and prepare for a gradual shift from international peacekeeping support to locally managed solutions.
Security analysts indicate that such alliances are becoming increasingly valuable as Mogadishu pursues sustainable approaches to persistent challenges posed by groups like Al-Shabaab.
Founding Member
Somalia stands as a founding member of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition. The meeting underscored the nation’s continued commitment to regional and international endeavors aimed at addressing violent extremism.
The Minister was accompanied by the Chargé d’Affaires at the Somali Embassy in Riyadh, H.E. Abdulaziz Abdirahman Hassan, the IMCTC Representative to Somalia, Brigadier General Abdirahman Turyare, and other senior defense officials.
