Mogadishu, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday paid a high-profile visit to the Somali National Army’s (SNA) 21st Division headquarters in Dhusamareeb, Galmudug State, underscoring his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and accelerating the campaign against Al-Shabaab.
The President was accompanied by Galmudug State leader Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor, Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and other senior government and military officials. The delegation was warmly received by SNA commanders and frontline troops stationed in the division’s central command base.
According to officials, the visit aimed to review the operational readiness of forces deployed across the Galgaduud region, a critical frontline in the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab militants. Discussions with senior officers focused on boosting morale, logistical support, and coordination between federal and state security forces.
President Mohamud praised the bravery of the soldiers and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to providing the resources needed to sustain military operations. He stressed that the stabilization of Galmudug is vital not only for the region but also for the broader security of Somalia.
“Somalia’s future rests on the shoulders of our gallant armed forces. Our government will not relent in its duty to support you in liberating our people from the grip of terrorism,” President Mohamud remarked.
Galmudug President Ahmed Qoorqoor echoed the Head of State’s message, commending the collaboration between regional forces and the national army. He emphasized that restoring peace and stability is the shared responsibility of both federal and state institutions.
The Defence Minister noted that the government is working to address challenges facing soldiers, including delayed salaries, limited equipment, and welfare concerns, while also strengthening international partnerships to sustain the momentum against Al-Shabaab.
The 21st Division, which operates across parts of Galgaduud and Hiiraan, has been at the forefront of joint operations with local community fighters and international partners. The division recently played a key role in securing key towns and routes, disrupting militant movements in central Somalia.
This visit comes at a critical time as the government intensifies preparations for the transition from the African Union peacekeeping mission (AUSSOM) to a new security arrangement, with Somali forces expected to take greater responsibility for the country’s stability.
