Somali Officials Meet Lower Shabelle Farmers to Address Security and Agricultural Concerns

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Federal Government of Somalia, MP Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, State Minister for Defence Omar Ali Abdi, and Commander of the Somali National Army Ground Forces, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, met with farmers from the Lower Shabelle region to discuss challenges affecting agricultural communities.

The farmers briefed the officials on difficulties they face in their areas, including security-related challenges posed by Al-Shabaab terrorists and damage they said resulted from some of the latest security operations conducted in the region.

The officials listened to the farmers’ concerns and underscored the importance of protecting civilians, their property and agricultural production during security operations.

They also assured the farmers that their complaints would be documented and referred to the relevant authorities for investigation and appropriate action.

The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between government institutions and farming communities to protect livelihoods and support agricultural production in areas affected by insecurity.