Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed confidence in the African Union’s mission in Somalia, highlighting its critical role in promoting peace and stability over the past 18 years. He conveyed these sentiments during a joint media briefing with the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at State House in Mogadishu on Sunday.
The President told Youssouf of his full confidence in the ability of the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to fulfill its mandate within the East African country.
AUSSOM was established to take over from the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and officially started operating in the nation on January 1, 2025.
President Mohamud congratulated Youssouf on his recent election, emphasizing Somalia’s commitment to collaborating with the African Union to advance shared goals of peace, security, and development across the continent. He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, for his dedicated leadership and service to Africa.
Youssouf, formerly Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, was elected during the African Union’s annual summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His leadership is anticipated to shape the AU’s priorities in addressing key challenges such as regional security, economic integration, and Africa’s role in global affairs.
The AU’s mission in Somalia has been instrumental in combating insurgent groups and supporting the Somali government’s efforts to stabilize the nation. President Mohamud’s remarks underscore the importance of continued collaboration between Somalia and the AU to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the region.