RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has touched down in Riyadh on Sunday evening for the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic States Summit.
This high-level meeting, initiated by Saudi Arabia, is set against the backdrop of escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises in both Palestine and Lebanon, aiming to forge a unified stance among Arab and Islamic nations.
President Mohamud, who has previously served as Somalia’s leader from 2012 to 2017, made his entrance at the summit with a clear agenda. His arrival was part of a broader influx of dignitaries, including Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, underscoring the summit’s gravity and the international attention it has garnered.
The agenda for the summit includes discussions on the ongoing Israeli military actions in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, which have been described as aggressive by many in the region. The leaders are expected to deliberate on the humanitarian fallout of these conflicts, which have led to significant civilian casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage.
President Mohamud’s participation is viewed as critical due to Somalia’s own experiences with conflict and recovery. His insights into combating terrorism, as Somalia has been dealing with al-Shabaab, might provide valuable perspectives on dealing with regional security threats linked to the instability.
The summit also aims to reaffirm the unity among Arab and Islamic states, where the arrival of leaders was noted with optimism for potential outcomes that could lead to peace and stability.
The gathering in Riyadh is not just about addressing immediate crises but also about setting a precedent for future regional cooperation, emphasizing dialogue over conflict, and collective action for humanitarian relief and peace-building.
