Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called on Somalia to unite against Al-Shabaab, stating that divisions among the majority could allow a minority to maintain influence. During a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at State House in Entebbe, Museveni emphasized the need for political organization and unity to address the challenges threatening Somalia's stability. He drew parallels with other African countries, including Sudan, where sectarian approaches to governance have contributed to political divisions.
President Mohamud briefed Museveni on the security situation in Somalia and praised the contribution of the Uganda People's Defence Forces to efforts to restore peace. Ugandan troops have served in African Union-led peace support operations in Somalia, helping Somali forces fight Al-Shabaab. The Somali president thanked Uganda for its continued military support and expressed hope that Ugandan troops would remain in Somalia longer to help achieve lasting stability.
Al-Shabaab, linked to al-Qaida, continues to wage an insurgency against Somalia's federal government and security forces, carrying out attacks in Somalia and posing a broader regional security threat. Museveni stressed that the problem of Somalia is ideological and a misdiagnosis of problems. He urged Somalia to unite the many to defeat the few, saying some Africans want to annoy the many to stay with the few.
President Mohamud also thanked Uganda for its hospitality toward Somali nationals living, studying, and doing business in the country. Somalia's ambassador to Uganda, Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, reported that about 8,000 Somalis operate businesses in Uganda and roughly 15,000 Somali students attend Ugandan universities. This highlights the strong ties between the two countries and the significant presence of Somalis in Uganda.
The leaders also discussed expanding bilateral trade, particularly by improving access for Ugandan products to the Somali market. Museveni welcomed Somalia's decision to allow Uganda to establish a warehouse in Somalia to market and sell processed Ugandan coffee. This proposed arrangement could give Ugandan exporters a more direct route to Somali consumers and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
Currently, Somalia imports coffee from European countries, with Ugandan coffee reportedly passing through other markets before reaching Somali buyers. The warehouse initiative aims to strengthen commercial links and create further opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries. This development could boost Uganda's coffee exports and increase its economic ties with Somalia.
The meeting was attended by several Ugandan officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo and Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire. The discussions reflect the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation and tackle the security and economic challenges facing Somalia.
Key points
- Museveni urges Somalia to unite against Al-Shabaab.
- The two countries discuss expanding bilateral trade, including Uganda's coffee exports to Somalia.
- Ugandan troops have been supporting Somali forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
