Baidoa, 10 March 2026 – The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Amb. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, led a senior AUSSOM delegation on a one-day field visit to Baidoa. He was accompanied by AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, Police Commissioner, AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu, and Acting Head of Mission Support, Ms. Maxmillian Okech.
The delegation met with AUSSOM military and police commanders and their troops in Sector 3 to assess progress in the implementation of the mission’s mandate.
Sector 3 Commander and Ethiopian contingent commander, Brig. Gen. Teklu Hurisa Janka, briefed the delegation on the political and security situation in his area of responsibility, highlighting the strong coordination among AUSSOM personnel, local authorities and Somali Security Forces (SSF) in maintaining security and stability.
“As part of our mandate, we continue providing our support to SSF. We conduct regular joint weekly meetings at all locations, and we continue mentoring to prepare the transition,” said Brig. Gen. Teklu.
Ghana Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent commander, CSP Benjamin Dokurugu, also highlighted the FPU’s role in supporting community efforts towards regional peace and security.
“Going by our mandate, we have performed the planned tasks and operations, prioritising the protection of civilians, protection of AU and UN personnel and assets, as well as providing escorts to partners,” CSP Dokurugu said.
Amb. Diene commended the Ethiopian and Ghana continent for their professionalism and dedication in implementing the AUSSOM mandate despite operational challenges.
“We value your determination, dedication and commitment in the conduct operations and support the Somali-led peace and security process,” added Ambassador Diene.
Lt. Gen. Kavuma praised the contingents’ contribution to the region’s stability, urging sustained efforts as the mission advances its objectives.
“I want therefore to thank the commander of Sector 3 and the Ghanaian FPU with his team for the great work you are doing in this area,” Lt. Gen. Kavuma said.
