Kampala AUSSOM Summit Concludes With Call for Two-Year UN Backing Extension

The three-day Second Summit of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) concluded Friday in Kampala, Uganda, after bringing together leaders from Somalia, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia and Kenya to chart the future of the African Union’s security mission in Somalia.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the summit alongside regional leaders, where discussions focused on the future of AUSSOM, the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces, regional security cooperation, and the mission’s growing financial challenges.

The summit followed meetings of military chiefs and defense ministers held earlier in the week, creating a coordinated roadmap before the heads of state convened for the final session.

In his address, Hassan Sheikh highlighted what he described as progress made by Somalia in military operations against Al-Shabaab, security sector reforms, institution-building, economic recovery and the expansion of public services.

He said these achievements were the result of cooperation between Somali citizens and international partners, while emphasizing the need for continued regional and international support during Somalia’s security transition.

One of the summit’s most significant outcomes was a joint appeal by participating leaders for the United Nations Security Council to extend UN logistical and operational support for AUSSOM by an additional 18 to 24 months.

The leaders warned that a premature reduction in international assistance could create a dangerous security vacuum that Al-Shabaab could exploit, undermining recent gains made by Somali and African Union forces.

The final communiqué also called for increased international funding to address AUSSOM’s mounting financial shortfall, reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urged Somali political stakeholders to prioritize national unity and reconciliation, and emphasized the importance of strengthening Somali security institutions before completing the transition from African Union-led security operations to full Somali responsibility.

The summit’s recommendations will now be submitted to the African Union Peace and Security Council before being forwarded to the UN Security Council, where they are expected to shape decisions on the future mandate, financing and long-term support framework for AUSSOM.