NAIROBI, Kenya – The African Union’s Special Representative to Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Muriu Kahariri, to discuss regional security cooperation.
General Kahariri commended Kenya’s longstanding role in Somalia’s stabilization efforts and underscored Nairobi’s commitment to supporting the full implementation of the AUSSOM mandate. He highlighted Kenya’s contribution of troops, resources, and expertise as pivotal in securing gains against violent extremism and fostering regional stability.
Ambassador Diene, who assumed his role earlier this year, emphasized the African Union’s continued partnership with Kenya in consolidating progress in Somalia. He reaffirmed that AUSSOM will remain focused on supporting Somali-led initiatives, particularly in strengthening national security institutions and promoting peacebuilding at the community level.
Both officials agreed to deepen cooperation between the AU mission and the Kenya Defence Forces, stressing that sustained regional collaboration is critical to ensuring the stability of Somalia and the Horn of Africa at large.
The meeting comes as Somalia advances its security transition, with AUSSOM taking over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The new mission, endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council, has a mandate to support the Somali National Army, bolster governance structures, and enhance stabilization efforts over the next five years.