MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Amid worsening insecurity and declining Western support, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met today with Russian Ambassador to Djibouti, Mr. Mikhail Golovanov, to discuss security, development, and humanitarian cooperation in Somalia.
In a statement from Villa Somalia, Ambassador Golovanov praised the Somali government’s progress in combating terrorism, highlighting Russia’s commitment to supporting Somalia, particularly in security and counter-terrorism efforts.
“President Hassan Sheikh praised the selfless efforts of the Somali people and the Armed Forces to free them from terrorism in the few areas in the country, and underlined that the Al-Shabaab are an obstacle to the development of the region,” the statement added.
The meeting occurs amid a growing crisis for President Mohamud’s administration, which faces security challenges exacerbated by a controversial constitutional change.
This turmoil has led to increased Al-Shabaab attacks in the capital.
Somalia is also grappling with reduced Western funding, as African Union forces are set to withdraw later this year, casting doubt on Somalia’s readiness to take full responsibility for its security.
In addition to seeking Russian support, President Mohamud has reached out to Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Egypt for assistance.
It remains unclear how Russia will involve itself in Somalia’s security, though President Vladimir Putin has been extending his influence by sending military advisers to other African nations recently.