NAIROBI/MOGADISHU: The Director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, reportedly conducted a secret visit to at least two East African nations last week, according to official confirmations from the Kenyan and Somali governments.
The trip included a high-level meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto and Noordin Haji, the Director of Kenya’s National Intelligence Service, in Nairobi. Subsequently, Burns met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu.
The specific details of the discussions during Burns’ visit remain undisclosed, leading to considerable speculation. It is unusual for senior American intelligence officials to personally visit sub-Saharan Africa, typically engaging with local governments through station chiefs or American ambassadors. The in-person visit suggests compelling reasons for direct engagement.
Reports from Kenyan news outlets suggest that discussions focused on escalating instability in sub-Saharan Africa, stemming from various sources. These include the ongoing conflict in Sudan, tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo following recent elections, and concerns over the presence of al-Shabaab in East Africa. Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked armed group operating in Somalia, has engaged in conflicts with the Somali government and is responsible for several terrorist attacks in the region.
Washington’s concerns extend to the continuing presence of al-Shabaab in East Africa, prompting active support for the Somali government with around 500 U.S. military advisors deployed in the region.
As of now, the CIA has not issued an official statement regarding Burns’ visit to East Africa.
