Kismayo, 16 March 2026—The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC) and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Amb. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, and the Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Ms Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, conducted a joint visit to Kismayo, Jubaland State, on Monday to assess the mission’s performance, evaluate personnel welfare, and strengthen partnership.
The SRCC, who was accompanied by AUSSOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma and Police Commissioner, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Hillary Sao Kanu, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to implementing its mandate, commending the personnel for their role in supporting a Somali-led peace process.
Upon arrival, Amb. Diene was received by Sector Two Commander Brigadier General Edward Banda and inspected a guard of honour mounted by AUSSOM forces. Brig. Gen. Banda provided a comprehensive briefing on the current security landscape, emerging Al-Shabaab trends, operational challenges, and the logistical role of UNSOS during AUSSOM’s transition phase.
“We are here today for two objectives. The first one is to see how you are doing, what you are doing, what your challenges are, and how we can support mandate implementation. We are also here together with UNSOS to show unity of purpose,” Amb. Diene said.
“I am reassured by what I just heard and saw. Our four strategic priorities; degrade Al- Shabaab, contribute to the stabilization, protect civilians and care for a safe and conducive environment favorable to humanitarian action. You’re doing your best on that.”
The SRCC also emphasised the mission’s solidarity with the Somali people amid severe drought, praising the troops for their Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.
Kismayo, situated within the Sector Two Area of Responsibility, is currently secured by AUSSOM troops from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with support from the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU).
Ms. Sadozai acknowledged the immense sacrifices by frontline troops and emphasised UNSOS’ commitment to supporting AUSSOM.
“We are here in strong partnership and solidarity to support all of you. Please rest assured, knowing that every day when we are in Mogadishu, we are thinking only of how to ensure seamless logistical support to all of you on the front lines,” she said.
Ms. Sadozai thanked KDF and SLFPU personnel for their continued sacrifice and support in ensuring seamless logistical transitions, peace and stability in Somalia.
The Force Commander expressed gratitude to Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) and UNSOS for their unwavering support to AUSSOM operations.
“I therefore want to salute you (Brig. Gen. Banda) and, through you, the leadership of the KDF, the leadership of Kenya, and the people of Kenya. I also want to thank the SLFPU, the commandant, and your team for a job well done in supporting the sector with policing and for carrying out your duties despite the difficulties, challenges, and the environment in which you operate,” said Lt. Gen. Kavuma.
AIGP Kanu thanked the cooperation among KDF, SLFPU, and UN staff towards advancing the AUSSOM mandate.
“We are all fighting for one goal, and the goal is stability and to ensure that there is peace for the wider community, and I want to appreciate you,” said AIGP Kanu.
The delegation also met with UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), UNSOS, and contractor personnel, recognising their essential contributions to the mission support operations.