Mogadishu, 28 March 2026 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has officially assumed control of Operating Base (OB) SHAND from British forces in the capital, Mogadishu.
Established in 2017 as the primary United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UKMST) military operating location in Somalia, OB SHAND will now serve as a strategic hub to bolster AUSSOM’s operational capacity.
At the formal handover ceremony, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador El-Hadji Ibrahima Diene, stated that the transition symbolises a shared commitment to Somalia’s peace, security, and stabilisation.
“This handover is a milestone in enhancing our collective operational and coordination capabilities,” Amb. Diene said. “It reflects our joint efforts to improve training, logistics, and force protection, ultimately supporting effective mandate delivery.”
Amb. Diene emphasised that the synergy between the African Union, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), and international partners remains the cornerstone for achieving sustainable peace. He commended the British Embassy and the UK government for their longstanding support to AU and Somali-led peace initiatives.
“We reaffirm our unity of purpose,” Amb. Diene added. “AUSSOM remains committed to supporting a Somali-led peace, security, and stability process.”
British Ambassador to Somalia Charles King highlighted the United Kingdom’s enduring role in Somalia’s security architecture, reaffirming the UK’s efforts continue to focus on countering terrorism, protecting civilians, building stability, and securing gains made by AU and Somali troops.
“This base is our latest contribution, equipped and ready to facilitate future headquarters operations rather than serving as a base for UK support,” Amb. King said. “I look forward to seeing it host AU staff, with the delivery of future mentoring being delivered through an African-owned facility.”
Amb. King also commended AUSSOM, Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs), and the FGS for their unwavering dedication to advance the Somali-led security framework and strengthen government capacity.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including AUSSOM Police Commissioner AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu, Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, and military, police, and civilian personnel from AUSSOM and the UK.
