Somalia president cancels Russia trip amid security fears
President Mohamud also faces pressure from Uganda to hold opposition talks or risk troop withdrawal.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud canceled a planned trip to Russia this week due to rising security and political pressures. The decision followed an ambush by Al Shabaab in the Lower Shabelle region on Monday that killed dozens of Somali soldiers.
Uganda, a major contributor to the African Union force, urged Mohamud to quickly begin talks with the opposition, warning of troop withdrawal if he did not. Mohamud met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and requested Ugandan forces remain, but Museveni cited economic constraints and reiterated the demand for dialogue.
Mohamud called for dialogue with the opposition on Sunday night, dropping his earlier refusal to compromise on contentious issues, in an apparent effort to appease Museveni. Since returning to Somalia, Mohamud has been working to ease political tensions and resolve disputes through political means.
Why it mattersPresident Mohamud canceled a trip to Russia due to domestic security and political pressures, including an Al Shabaab ambush and demands from Uganda for opposition talks.