Friday May 3, 2024
Representatives from Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the USA pose with Somali officials at the sixth Somalia Quint meeting in London, April 30, 2024, to discuss security, stability, and political reforms in Somalia.
London (HOL) — Key international partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Somalia's security and political stability during the sixth Somalia Quint meeting in London. Representatives from Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside officials from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), agreed on plans to continue aiding Somalia's efforts against regional tensions and terrorism.
As the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia nears its end, the coalition recognized the importance of Somalia taking over primary security duties and discussed the financial and operational challenges of transitioning from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia to a new support mission. They committed to helping Somalia secure funding for this mission and to enhance its national security capabilities.
Discussions at the meeting also focused on supporting the Somali government's Security Sector Development Plan (SSDP), which aims to increase training and sustainability for security forces. This plan is pivotal as Somalia prepares to manage its security independently.
The Quint partners also addressed the need for reduced tensions and increased dialogue in the Horn of Africa, reaffirming their support for Somalia's government. They highlighted recent advancements in constitutional reform and the planning processes of the National Consultative Council, stressing the importance of inclusivity in political engagements.
In efforts to combat the extremist group al-Shabaab, the coalition praised the Somali National Army's ground offensive, which has been effective in reducing the group's hold on territory. They agreed on the necessity of effective stabilization strategies and security measures to degrade al-Shabaab's capabilities further.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold a seventh session of the Somalia Quint in Washington, continuing the international commitment to a stable and secure Somalia.