Tuesday 10,June 2025 {HMC} 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.
