Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Thursday October 18, 2018
In this Africa Center roundtable, Somalia's National Security Advisor shares his vision for establishing a stable Somalia. Priority reforms include strengthening oversight of the security sector and improving security support to rural communities most vulnerable to Al Shabaab.
During the tenure of President Mohammed Farmajo, Somalia has
developed a comprehensive transition plan for its security, undertaken
reforms of the Somali National Army, and strengthened ties with regional
and international security partners. This has been accompanied by a
decline in Al Shabaab violence against citizens and the reopening of the
Mogadishu Stadium to sporting events. Nonetheless, Al Shabaab remains
resilient, regularly mounting attacks on security forces and populated
areas alike while maintaining control over large expanses of rural
Somalia.
In this Africa Center for Strategic Studies roundtable, Somalia’s
National Security Advisor, Abdisaid Ali, shares his perspective on the
current security environment in Somalia, efforts to curb corruption and
promote reconciliation, and means of strengthening institutions to
enable the Somali state to meet its security requirements. He is joined
by Andre LeSage from Sage Research and Shannon Smith, Director of
Engagement at the Africa Center, who identify operational and structural
priorities needed to sustain progress.