The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Jubbaland administration have discussed ways to strengthen security cooperation during a meeting in Kismayo between senior mission officials and regional leaders.
AUSSOM’s Deputy Commander of Sector Two, Colonel Daniel Musau, met Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe to review the security situation and explore ways to improve coordination between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), which contribute troops to the AU mission, and Jubbaland’s security institutions.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between AUSSOM’s military leadership and the regional administration to address security challenges across areas under Jubbaland’s control.
Musau emphasised the importance of maintaining regular communication with local authorities, saying close engagement was necessary to achieve the security objectives assigned to Sector Two.
According to a statement from Kenya’s Ministry of Defence, the meeting also highlighted the role of cooperation between military forces and local administrations in supporting peace and stability in Somalia.
Kenya is among the countries contributing troops to AUSSOM, with its forces playing a significant role in Sector Two, whose headquarters are in Kismayo.
The sector covers parts of the Jubba regions, Gedo and areas of Lower Shabelle, where Kenyan troops support operations against Al-Shabaab and efforts to strengthen local security institutions.
The cooperation has also involved training and capacity-building for Jubbaland forces. In June 2026, a group of 100 Jubbaland security personnel completed training in Kismayo.
The programme covered weapons handling, counter-improvised explosive device techniques, combat tactics and emergency medical assistance for wounded personnel in battlefield conditions.
Jubbaland occupies an important position in Somalia’s security landscape because it shares a long border with Kenya and includes areas where Al-Shabaab maintains an operational presence.
Cooperation between Kenyan forces and the regional administration is therefore relevant to border security, monitoring militant movements and supporting local forces.
Kismayo, meanwhile, remains a major political, commercial and military centre in southern Somalia. Security conditions in the port city have implications for surrounding communities and the wider administration of Jubbaland.
AUSSOM began operations in January 2025, replacing the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Its mandate includes supporting Somali forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab, protecting civilians, strengthening security institutions and helping the Federal Government gradually assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
The meeting in Kismayo reflects continuing efforts by AUSSOM’s military leadership to maintain working relations with Jubbaland authorities as Somalia adjusts its security arrangements.
The effectiveness of such cooperation will depend on sustained coordination, adequate resources and clear responsibilities among the AU mission, federal institutions and regional security forces.