Mogadishu, Somalia – 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), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, on Thursday addressed the 35th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Defence and Security of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) in Mogadishu, outlining the Mission mandate and priorities in support of Somalia’s security transition.
The gathering, hosted by the Federal Government of Somalia and graced by Somali Minister of Defence, H.E. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, brought together senior officials of the Federal Government of Somalia, defence and security institutions from EASF member states, military leadership from Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) serving in Somalia, and Ambassadors of TCCs accredited to Somalia.
Addressing the Council, Ambassador Diene noted that AUSSOM’s support remains aligned with Somali-led frameworks.
“The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia has been mandated to support the Somali Security Forces to assume full responsibility for security, degrade Al-Shabaab, protect civilians, and provide security for political processes as part of the transition. In this regard, AUSSOM prioritises capacity-building, as well as strategic and operational support to the Somali-led political, peace and security process, in line with the Somalia Security Development Plan,” said Ambassador Diene, who also commended T/PCCs and partners for contributing to the progress achieved in Somalia and paid tribute to Somali Security Forces (SSF) and AUSSOM personnel, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and security.
On the security situation, the SRCC noted continued national progress under the leadership of President of the Federal Government of the Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“While Al-Shabaab is no longer an existential threat, it remains a considerable threat to international peace and security,” he said, adding that sustained Somali-led operations, supported by AUSSOM and partners, have placed the group under significant operational pressure.
Ambassador Diene commended Somalia on the upcoming one-person, one-vote elections in Banadir district, which he described as a historic milestone towards universal suffrage.
And expressing grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation marked by conflict-related displacement and severe drought conditions, the SRCC called for urgent and more sustained international support to minimise the impact of the crisis on Somalis.
In his remarks, Minister Fiqi welcomed participants and underscored the importance of convening the meeting in Mogadishu.
“This meeting demonstrates our unity as a region and reflects the progress Somalia has made in improving security, strengthening state institutions and supporting recovery, even under challenging circumstances,” said Minister Fiqi, highlighting Somalia’s dual focus on security operations and democratic processes.
“Somalia is doing two difficult things at the same time – fighting terrorism alongside AUSSOM forces and preparing for one-person, one-vote elections. This is not easy, but with the support of our regional partners and the international community, we believe success is possible.”
The meeting, which also addressed humanitarian challenges, including displacement and drought, with participants underscoring the need for sustained regional and international cooperation, concluded with a call for continued dialogue and cooperation among EASF Member States in support of peace, security and stability in Somalia and the wider region.
