KISMAYO, Somalia — (Horn Post) Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam met a U.S. congressional delegation in Kismayo to discuss counterterrorism, security cooperation, institution-building, and continued American support. Separate unverified claims about future U.S. policy have also emerged.
Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) hosted a high-level United States delegation in Kismayo on July 29, but released today as press release that reaffirming bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism, regional security, and institution-building.
According to a statement issued by the Jubaland Presidency, the delegation was led by U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson and included 11 members of the U.S. Congress, Acting U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Justin Davis, and other senior American officials.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism, continued U.S. support for security institutions, and broader efforts to promote stability and development in Jubaland.
The American delegation praised Jubaland’s long-running efforts against militant groups and commended recent joint operations carried out by Jubaland Security Forces, the Danab Special Forces (Jubaland sector), and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
President Madobe thanked the United States for its continued political, security, and development assistance to Somalia and described the partnership as vital to regional stability.
The meeting was also attended by members of Somalia’s Federal Parliament, including Ahmed Abdi Kooshin, Secretary of the Parliamentary Defense Committee, Mursal Mohamed Khalif, Chairman of the Somalia-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Committee, and Abdirashid Jire Qalinle, Jubaland’s representative in the Somalia Future Forum.
Analysis:
Claims of a Broader Shift in U.S. Policy Remain Unverified
Following the meeting, political commentary and reports circulated on Somali social media and other platforms claiming the discussions went beyond the official agenda.
Those reports allege that U.S. congressional members and Pentagon officials discussed:
- Construction of a strategic military facility at Afmadow Airport.
- Training and equipping up to 10,000 Jubaland security personnel.
- Expanding direct cooperation with Jubaland authorities.
- Increased support for military operations targeting Jilib, Jamaame, and surrounding areas.
- A broader review of U.S. policy toward Somalia.
Some reports further claimed Washington is reconsidering aspects of its engagement in Somalia, including a greater focus on regional partners.
However, these claims have not been confirmed by the U.S. government, the Pentagon, AFRICOM, the U.S. Embassy, or the Jubaland Presidency.
The official statement released by Jubaland makes no reference to proposed military bases, troop training figures, changes in U.S. policy, or any “dual-track” diplomatic approach.
What We Know
- A senior U.S. delegation met President Ahmed Mohamed Islam in Kismayo.
- Both sides discussed counterterrorism, security cooperation, and U.S. support for Jubaland.
- The delegation praised joint operations conducted with AFRICOM support.
- The United States has not released its own statement detailing the meeting.
What Remains Unconfirmed
Claims regarding:
- A future U.S. military base at Afmadow.
- Training 10,000 Jubaland troops.
- A formal shift to a dual-track policy.
- Withdrawal from areas of south-central Somalia.
- Direct strategic support arrangements outside existing frameworks.
None of these claims have been independently verified by Horn post or confirmed through official U.S. sources.
Pictures:
Prepared By:
Horn Post Staff
KISMAYO, Somalia
