Tuesday June 10, 2025

Kismayo (HOL) — The First Vice President of Somalia’s
Jubbaland State, Mahmoud Sayid Aden, met Monday with the Governor of Kenya’s
Mandera County to discuss cross-border security and the movement of people
along the shared frontier.

The two leaders focused on strengthening bilateral
cooperation to address growing challenges in the border regions, particularly
those posed by al-Shabab, the extremist group responsible for attacks in both
countries.

Vice President Aden emphasized that the Jubbaland
administration is fully engaged in combatting al-Shabab and is committed to
protecting cross-border trade.

“We will not allow al-Shabab to disrupt economic activity or
endanger the lives of our citizens and neighbors,” he said following the
meeting.

Delegations from both administrations agreed to accelerate
joint efforts on border security coordination. The goal, they said, is to
ensure long-term stability, protect civilian lives, and prevent further
insecurity in vulnerable areas.

Mandera County, which borders Somalia’s Gedo and Lower Juba
regions, has experienced repeated al-Shabab ambushes in recent years. Kenyan
authorities have periodically imposed curfews in Mandera and surrounding areas
to limit the group’s movements and reduce the threat of attacks.

Concerns remain high over the safety of Somali traders and
civilians traveling to and from Mandera, with both governments pledging to
continue their collaboration to secure the region.