Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The State Minister of Defense, Omar Ali Abdi, represented Sàà1omalia at the 17th Ordinary Meeting of the Specialized Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security (STCDSS), held this week at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The high-level gathering brought together defense ministers, military chiefs, and security experts from across the continent to evaluate the current security landscape and harmonize strategies for a stable Africa. The Somali delegation’s participation highlights the federal government’s dedication to playing an active role in the continent’s collective security architecture.
The session focused on critical issues facing the African continent, with a primary emphasis on strengthening military cooperation among member states. The delegates engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the enhancement of defense capabilities and the necessity of a unified front in the fight against international terrorism.
Furthermore, the committee analyzed ongoing peacekeeping missions and future operational plans designed to bolster general security across the region. These discussions are particularly relevant as the AU continues to refine its peace and security architecture to respond more effectively to emerging threats and conflicts.
Beyond the main plenary sessions, State Minister Omar Ali Abdi conducted a series of strategic sideline meetings with defense ministers and army commanders from fellow AU member states.
These bilateral talks focused on accelerating defense cooperation specifically within the Horn of Africa, a region where cross-border security challenges require synchronized responses. The State Minister advocated for robust information sharing and coordinated efforts to ensure regional stability.
In his address to the committee, the state minister articulated Somalia’s firm resolve to contribute to the AU’s peace initiatives. He stated that the federal government is not merely a beneficiary of security support but is increasingly becoming a proactive contributor to the continent’s stability.
“Somalia remains fully committed to active participation in the AU’s efforts to strengthen peace and military cooperation,” the State Minister affirmed.
The meeting concluded with a renewed consensus among member states to operationalize the decisions made, ensuring that the African Standby Force and other security mechanisms are prepared to address the continent’s dynamic security needs.
