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The newly appointed Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, visited Kismayo on Monday as part of his first official tour of AUSSOM operations in Jubbaland State.
Ambassador Diene met with the President of Jubbaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (commonly known as Ahmed Madobe), to discuss the current security situation in the region. The talks focused on efforts to combat terrorism, particularly operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab, and how to improve peace and stability in the area.
During the meeting, Ambassador Diene praised the Jubbaland administration and security forces for their progress in fighting Al-Shabaab and reclaiming areas previously under the group’s control. He commended the local forces for their professionalism, discipline, and results on the ground, which he said contribute significantly to Somalia’s broader goals of peace and national stability.
The Ambassador’s visit to Kismayo marks his first trip to the region since officially taking office in Mogadishu on July 28, 2025. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including AUSSOM’s Military Chief of Staff Brigadier General Kindu Gezu, Military Force Engineer Colonel Sulieman Ibrahim, and other senior mission officials.
As part of his visit, Ambassador Diene also met with Kenyan troops serving under the AUSSOM mission in Jubbaland. The Kenyan forces, part of the African Union’s peacekeeping support in Somalia, have been instrumental in providing security and supporting stabilization efforts in the region.
He was received at the airport by the Kenyan Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Edward Banda, and other senior officers of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Ambassador Diene thanked the troops for their commitment and sacrifices in helping Somalia move toward peace. He also acknowledged the strong partnership between the African Union and Kenya in supporting Somalia’s long-term stability.
In addition to his engagements with government officials and troops, the Ambassador held meetings with representatives from the United Nations and other international partners working in Jubbaland. The discussions focused on how to improve cooperation among different organizations and ensure a coordinated approach to peacebuilding, humanitarian support, and rebuilding institutions in Somalia.
The visit reflects the African Union’s renewed focus on supporting Somalia during this critical period. With ongoing efforts to push back against Al-Shabaab and bring security to more parts of the country, leaders like Ambassador Diene are emphasizing unity, collaboration, and sustained international support to achieve lasting peace.
Ambassador Diene’s tour of Jubbaland is part of a wider familiarization mission as he begins his new role leading AUSSOM. The mission replaces the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and is tasked with helping Somalia strengthen its institutions, improve security, and eventually take full responsibility for its own national defense and stability.
His engagements in Kismayo highlight the importance of regional cooperation, especially with states like Jubbaland that have played a frontline role in the fight against terrorism. By recognizing local efforts and encouraging stronger collaboration among Somali authorities, African Union forces, and international allies, Ambassador Diene underlined his commitment to helping Somalia achieve lasting peace.
As Somalia continues its transition toward full self-reliance in the security sector, visits like this demonstrate the AU’s intention to remain a steady partner, working side-by-side with the Somali people in their journey toward a stable and peaceful future.