Mogadishu, Somalia – The African Union has appointed new leadership to steer its struggling peacekeeping mission in Somalia, amid rising insecurity and declining international support.
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, will serve as interim high representative, alongside newly appointed force commander Lt. Gen. Abdoulaye Maiga of Senegal. Their task is to stabilize the mission, restore donor confidence, and support Somalia’s transition to full security ownership.
The move comes as the AU replaces the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with the smaller, more focused African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The transition follows months of tension over delayed troop withdrawals, unpaid allowances, and growing criticism of the mission’s effectiveness.
Al-Shabaab has capitalized on the uncertainty, escalating attacks—including the recent deadly assault at Mogadishu’s Lido Beach that killed 35.
AUSSOM, expected to deploy fewer than 12,000 troops, will focus on advisory and logistical support rather than direct combat. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre welcomed the leadership change but emphasized the need for strong, sustained partnerships.
The AU hopes the leadership overhaul will revive momentum and ensure a smoother transition during this critical phase.