Beletweyne, 27 June 2026 – Senior Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) officials joined the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia’s (AUSSOM) Djibouti National Defence Forces (DNDF) personnel in Beletweyne today to commemorate the 49th anniversary of Djibouti’s Independence.
The occasion marked Djibouti’s independence from France on 27 June 1977 and celebrated the long-standing ties between Somalia and Djibouti, including Somalia’s significant role in supporting Djibouti during its struggle for independence.
The high-level delegation was led by Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, and included the Djibouti Ambassador to Somalia, Ambassador (Rtd.) Col. Osman Doubad Sougouleh.
They were received at Ugas Khalif Airport in Beletweyne by AUSSOM Sector 4 Commander, Col. Abdourahman Rayale, alongside other senior AUSSOM military officers.
The visiting dignitaries were accorded a guard of honour mounted by the AUSSOM troops.
The guests then proceeded to the AUSSOM Sector 4 Headquarters, where the Djiboutian national flag was raised.
The celebrations included a military parade, a march-past, and traditional performances.
Delivering the keynote address, the Guest of Honour, Minister Fiqi, congratulated the Government and people of Djibouti on the country’s Independence Anniversary and commended the AUSSOM Djiboutian troops for their professionalism, sacrifice, and commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in Somalia.
Djibouti’s Ambassador to Somalia, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Osman praised the troops for standing in solidarity with the Somali people during the country’s most challenging times.
He reaffirmed Djibouti’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s pursuit of lasting peace, security, and sustainable development.
AUSSOM Sector 4 Commander, Col. Rayale, thanked the federal government, the Hirshabelle State Administration, local leaders, and community members for their ongoing cooperation and partnership with AUSSOM.
He highlighted the close coordination between Somali Security Forces (SSF) and AUSSOM troops in ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab, noting that their shared sacrifices have been instrumental in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The ceremony was attended by Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdifatah Kassim Mohamud; State Minister for Internal Security Mohamed Ali Hagaa; Members of Parliament; senior FGS and Hirshabelle State officials; and local community representatives in Beletweyne.
Senior AUSSOM officials were also present, including the AUSSOM DNDF 13th Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Ahmed Adan Abdullahi; the Deputy Commander of the AUSSOM Ethiopian contingent, Col. Alemu Tesfa; AUSSOM Ghana Formed Police Unit Platoon Commander, ASP Godwin Amedzo; and UN officials in Beletweyne.
Similar Independence Day celebrations took place at DNDF Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Jalalaqsi, Buula Burde, and Dhusamareb, where personnel marked the occasion with Somali leaders and local communities.
The AUSSOM DNDF contingent has served in Somalia since 2011, alongside contingents from Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
Working with the SSF, it continues to play a key role in countering Al-Shabaab, restoring government authority, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and supporting recovery efforts in Beletweyne, Buula Burde, Jalalaqsi, and other regions.