What next? Somalia prepares to defend its territory when A. Union troops leave

Somalia's authorities held a National Internal Security Conference in Mogadishu to discuss transitioning to full domestic security responsibilities. Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stated the country is ready for a Somali-led framework, while acknowledging financial challenges. Despite tensions between the federal government and member states, the conference aimed to address the impending withdrawal of African Union peacekeepers after nearly two decades in Somalia.