Mogadishu, Somalia – February 15, 2024: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed a military cooperation agreement with the United States today, paving the way for the construction of four new military bases.
The agreement, signed during a ceremony in Mogadishu, stipulates the establishment of bases in the strategic cities of Jowhar, Baydhabo, Kismayo, and Dhusamareb. President Hassan Sheikh hailed the deal as a “crucial step” in reforming and strengthening the Somali National Armed Forces (SNA) and combating the Al-Shabaab militant group.
“This agreement aids our plans to free the country from Al-Shabaab and ensure security,” he declared, urging swift implementation. He further lauded the U.S. role in training elite Danab units and supporting Somali security forces.
However, the deal raised concerns within Somalia, with critics highlighting previous military agreements signed by President Hassan Sheikh – namely with the UAE, Turkey, and Ethiopia – that bypassed parliamentary approval.
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