National

Somali President Sheikh Shariff Sheikh Ahmed arrived in Rwanda yesterday for a two-day working visit just weeks ahead of general elections in his country.

On arrival at Kigali International Airport shortly after midday, he was received by Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, before holding talks with his counterpart President Paul Kagame.

According to Mushikiwabo, the Heads of State discussed the current security situation in Somalia.

Rwanda has previously trained Somali soldiers, police and customs officers as the Transitional Federal Government sought to end years of lawlessness in the country. 

Addressing journalists after the meeting of the two Presidents, Minister Mushikiwabo said President Ahmed had requested for Rwanda’s continued support to his country.

“President Sheikh Ahmed was also briefing President Kagame about the political situation in his country considering that Somalia will be holding presidential elections next month,” she said.

Somalia is currently re-drafting its constitution and President Sheikh Ahmed updated President Kagame on the progress, Mushiwabo added.

The government in Mogadishu has recently made substantial gains in restoring peace and security in most of the country.

An African peacekeeping force, composed mainly of Ugandan and Burundian troops, has dislodged Al Qaida-linked Al Shabaab militants from the capital as well several strategic locations.

The Somali President has also recently visited Sudan and Burundi.

Contact email: edwin.musoni[at]newtimes.co.rw