Mogadishu (Diplomat.so) - The Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition Secretary General Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi arrived in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Friday, August 21, for an official visit.
Al-Moghedi and his delegation were received at Aden Abdulle International Airport by senior Somali military, defence and diplomatic officials as the coalition prepares to launch a series of projects aimed at strengthening Somalia’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
According to information provided about the visit, the delegation’s programme focuses on counter-terrorism cooperation, exchange of expertise and information, institutional capacity-building and strengthening the capabilities of Somali security agencies. The visit also provides a platform for discussions between the coalition and Federal Government officials.
Al-Moghedi is scheduled on Saturday to launch a major gathering in Mogadishu bringing together representatives from about 15 Somali ministries and government institutions, alongside diplomatic and international partners. Representatives connected to the coalition’s 43 member states, as well as the United Nations, African Union, OIC, , League of Arab States , IGAD, and African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, are expected to participate.
The gathering is intended to introduce approximately 10 IMCTC-backed projects planned for implementation in Somalia. One of the first initiatives is a media-focused security programme, including a workshop scheduled to begin Sunday for participants from different Somali media organizations.
The programme places journalists within the broader prevention framework by seeking to strengthen professional approaches to reporting on security, terrorism and peace-related issues. No financial value or implementation timetable for the wider package of projects was provided in the information available Friday.
Somalia has faced a prolonged security challenge from militant groups, making institutional development, professional training and international security partnerships important components of the federal government’s counter-terrorism strategy.
During their stay in Mogadishu, Al-Moghedi and his delegation are expected to hold further meetings with federal officials and security institutions to discuss practical cooperation and implementation of the planned initiatives.
The visit is expected to establish the operational framework for the coalition’s upcoming programmes, with Saturday’s gathering providing government agencies, diplomatic missions and international organizations an opportunity to coordinate their roles in the projects.
