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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held an important meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Food Systems Summit.
During their discussions, President Hassan Sheikh and Chairperson Youssouf focused on the peace and security situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. The AU Chairperson praised Somalia’s efforts to build peace and stability after years of conflict. He commended President Hassan Sheikh for the progress his government has made in strengthening governance, restoring order, and rebuilding institutions.
Youssouf also reaffirmed the AU’s strong commitment to continuing its support for Somalia’s journey toward long-lasting peace and development. He highlighted the AU’s readiness to work closely with the Somali government to achieve its national goals.
President Hassan Sheikh, in return, thanked the AU for its consistent support and warm welcome. He acknowledged the crucial role the African Union has played in Somalia’s recovery, especially through its peacekeeping and stabilization missions over the years.
The meeting happened just hours after the arrival of El Hadji Ibrahima Boly Diene, the new Special Representative of the AU Chairperson for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. His arrival marks a new chapter in the partnership between Somalia and the African Union.
AUSSOM officially replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which had been helping Somalia improve its security situation. Unlike ATMIS, which focused mainly on military operations, AUSSOM will take a broader approach. It will continue to help secure the country while also supporting long-term stabilization efforts, including rebuilding local governance and improving public services.
Both the Somali government and the AU emphasized the urgent need to secure sustainable funding for AUSSOM. Without proper financial backing, the mission’s ability to carry out its goals could be limited. Securing this support will be a top priority in the coming months.
President Hassan Sheikh’s meeting with the AU Chairperson shows how Somalia is working closely with regional and international partners to build a peaceful and stable future. It also highlights the African Union’s continued dedication to promoting peace and security across the continent, particularly in fragile states like Somalia.
In recent years, Somalia has made steady progress despite challenges from terrorist groups, economic struggles, and humanitarian crises. The support of the African Union, combined with the determination of the Somali people and leadership, remains a key part of the country’s path forward.
As the AUSSOM mission begins its work, the Somali government hopes it will strengthen peace efforts and create better opportunities for development. The mission is expected to coordinate closely with Somali authorities, local communities, and international partners to address the root causes of instability and build a more secure and prosperous nation.
This meeting in Addis Ababa marks another step forward in Somalia’s efforts to take full control of its security, with support from committed partners like the African Union.