Security measures in Oslo for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit

Security measures in Oslo for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit

Source: Hiiraan Online,, Monday June 10, 2024


The police motorcycle leads the procession. Photo: Ingri Valen Egeland
OSLO, Norway (HOL) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud began a three-day working visit to Norway on Sunday.

Upon his arrival in Oslo, President Mohamud was welcomed with significant security measures. A long procession of police vehicles and black cars moved through the city center, temporarily halting traffic. “It’s a significant visit,” said Operations Manager Rune Hekkelstrand of the Oslo Police District.

President Mohamud’s itinerary includes bilateral talks with the Norwegian Prime Minister, focusing on economic cooperation, security, and development initiatives. According to a statement from Villa Somalia, these discussions aim to “further enhance the Somalia-Norway strategic bilateral relations in various areas of mutual interest.”

In addition to his meetings, The Somali National News Agency reported that President Mohamud will deliver a keynote address at the Oslo Forum 2024, an annual retreat known for bringing together global leaders and policymakers to discuss peace and conflict resolution. 

However, opposition groups have criticized the President’s travel to Europe amid deadly inter-clan fighting in central Somalia. The fighting has resulted in 50 deaths and over 60 injuries in a village between the Herale and Abudwak districts in the Galgadud region. On the same day, al-Shabab attacked El-dher village in the Galgadud region, where the Somali government reported that five government soldiers and 47 al-Shabab militants were killed.