Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, convened a high-level meeting in Mogadishu with ambassadors and representatives from troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The meeting aimed to reinforce multilateral coordination and assess the progress of AUSSOM’s proactive mandate, which focuses on enhancing security, stabilizing liberated areas, and laying the groundwork for a peaceful and self-reliant Somalia.
Ambassador Diene commended the unwavering commitment of the participating nations and emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation to accelerate progress. “Your countries have shown outstanding leadership, resilience, and a steadfast belief in Somalia’s path toward sustainable peace and long-term security. I look forward to continued close collaboration with all of you to ensure the mission’s enduring success,” he stated.
In particular, Ambassador Diene expressed his gratitude to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda for their substantial contributions to the mission’s military and police components. He applauded their pivotal role in not only supporting Somalia’s peacebuilding process but also upholding the spirit of continental solidarity and unity across Africa.
The meeting brought together key figures in the peacekeeping operation, including Ambassador Mouktar Osman Kaire, Deputy Special Representative of the African Union; Major General Sam Kavuma, AUSSOM Military Commander; and Hillary Sao Kanu, AUSSOM Police Commander, alongside senior officials and advisors involved in the mission.
Discussions covered a wide range of strategic topics, including security gains achieved since the transition to AUSSOM, ongoing operational challenges, and the critical need for synchronized planning with Somali national forces. The meeting also reviewed the mission’s role in preparing for the eventual transfer of security responsibilities to Somali institutions.
Ambassador Diene called on the international community to sustain its political, logistical, and financial support for AUSSOM, emphasizing that long-term stability in Somalia remains a shared responsibility. “The road ahead requires a united front,” he noted. “Continued international backing is vital to enable Somalia to emerge as a secure, sovereign, and self-governing nation.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to bolster collaboration, enhance operational effectiveness, and remain resolute in the pursuit of peace and security in Somalia.