Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has formally received the credentials of El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the newly appointed Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
In their meeting, Youssouf acknowledged the vital role African Union personnel have played in Somalia’s security over the past 17 years. From the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and now through AUSSOM, AU forces have been central in combating terrorism, supporting stabilization, and building national capacity.
The Commission Chair paid tribute to those who have served and sacrificed under the AU flag, emphasizing that their efforts remain an integral part of Somalia’s path toward stability. He underlined that Somalia’s security is not only crucial for the Horn of Africa but also for the wider continent and international peace.
Youssouf expressed confidence that under Diene’s leadership, AUSSOM will continue to support Somalia through its ongoing state-building and recovery process. The mission, which replaces ATMIS, will focus on consolidating security gains, strengthening Somali institutions, and ensuring a gradual handover of responsibilities to national authorities.
AUSSOM represents the next phase of the AU’s engagement in Somalia, reflecting both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. The Chairperson reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to standing alongside Somalia as it advances toward lasting peace, stability, and development.