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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set to travel to Addis Ababa to attend the 39th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government. At the summit, he will highlight Somalia’s recent achievements in security, reaffirm the country’s commitment to sovereignty, and emphasize its stance against foreign interference. This annual gathering brings together leaders from all 55 African nations to discuss the continent’s most pressing political and security issues.
During his address, President Hassan Sheikh will outline Somalia’s progress in strengthening its security forces and ongoing operations against the al-Shabab militant group. He will also touch on the country’s efforts to address drought and other humanitarian challenges. Somali officials say the president will make it clear that any recognition of Somaliland, including claims related to Israel, undermines Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, a position firmly supported by Mogadishu.
The summit comes shortly after Somalia won a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term. This achievement reflects growing confidence in Somalia’s diplomatic efforts and its expanding role in maintaining peace and security across the continent. The Peace and Security Council is a key AU body tasked with preventing conflicts, managing crises, authorizing peacekeeping missions, recommending sanctions, and coordinating collective responses to security threats throughout Africa.
In addition to participating in the main summit sessions, President Hassan Sheikh is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with other African leaders. These meetings aim to strengthen diplomatic relations, expand trade, improve development cooperation, and enhance collaboration on security matters. Officials emphasize that Somalia is eager to contribute actively to regional stability and continental development, using its new position on the Peace and Security Council to engage with other nations on shared priorities.
The president’s participation in the summit signals Somalia’s growing influence on the African stage and its commitment to a unified and secure future. By sharing its experiences in security sector reform and counterterrorism, Somalia hopes to support broader African efforts to tackle common challenges. At the same time, the government aims to ensure that issues related to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are clearly communicated to continental leaders.
Somalia’s presence at the summit also reflects the country’s diplomatic progress over recent years. By engaging with fellow African nations, the Somali government is seeking both support and partnership in areas such as economic development, security collaboration, and humanitarian assistance. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Somalia as a reliable and active participant in Africa’s political and security landscape.
Overall, the summit offers Somalia an opportunity to showcase its achievements, reinforce its political positions, and deepen ties with African partners. President Hassan Sheikh’s address and meetings are expected to highlight the country’s determination to secure peace, strengthen governance, and contribute meaningfully to regional stability. As Somalia takes on its new role on the African Union Peace and Security Council, the country looks set to play an increasingly important part in shaping the continent’s security and diplomatic agenda.
The future steps will depend on how quickly the stabilization force can be organized, whether all parties cooperate with its deployment, and how negotiations progress in the months ahead. For now, the resolution stands as one of the strongest international signals calling for a permanent ceasefire, rebuilding efforts, and a political process that could eventually lead to lasting peace in the region.