Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday to discuss Somalia’s stabilisation progress, regional peace and security, and the ongoing operations of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The meeting comes months after AUSSOM officially began its mandate in early 2025, succeeding the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The new mission reflects a shift in AU strategy—from direct combat support to a more targeted approach focused on training, advising, and institutional capacity building for Somali security forces.
President Mohamud reiterated Somalia’s resolve to complete the security transition, emphasizing the progress made in reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab and the increasing readiness of the Somali National Army (SNA). He also thanked the African Union for its steadfast support throughout the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM.
Youssouf commended Somalia’s leadership and acknowledged the challenges that remain, particularly in stabilizing newly recovered areas and ensuring long-term peace. He emphasized that AUSSOM is designed to complement Somalia’s national efforts by focusing on strategic support, rather than frontline engagement.
Discussions also touched on broader regional dynamics, with both leaders underlining the importance of collective African solutions to peace and security challenges in the Horn of Africa. The AU Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Somali government and international partners to ensure the success of AUSSOM’s mandate.
As Somalia navigates a critical phase in its state-building journey, the strong partnership with the African Union remains central to achieving a stable, sovereign, and self-reliant nation.