Mogadishu, Somalia – The United States and Somalia have renewed their partnership in tackling money laundering and the financing of terrorism, following high-level talks in Mogadishu between U.S. Ambassador Richard Riley and Somali Attorney General Mohamed Mohamud.
The meeting centered on strengthening financial safeguards, with both sides agreeing to enhance coordination to disrupt funding channels that sustain militant groups such as Al-Shabaab and ISIS. The discussions also explored ways to improve Somalia’s compliance with international anti-money laundering frameworks, a move seen as vital to safeguarding the country’s economic stability.
Attorney General Mohamud emphasized Somalia’s determination to protect its financial system from exploitation by criminal networks, while Ambassador Riley reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting Somali authorities in building stronger oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
The renewed cooperation comes at a time when Somalia is intensifying its campaign against terrorist groups, both militarily and through measures aimed at cutting off their financial lifelines. By reinforcing joint efforts with international partners, Somali officials hope to choke the flow of illicit funds that fuel instability and violence across the country.
This latest pledge underscores the growing importance of financial security in Somalia’s broader counterterrorism strategy, highlighting the recognition that defeating extremist groups requires not only military action but also dismantling the economic structures that keep them afloat.