Mogadishu, 7th March 2025 – In celebration of the blessings of the Holy Month of Ramadan, 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 Mohamed El-Amine Souef, on Wednesday hosted a Ramadan Iftar at the Force headquarters in Mogadishu.
At the event, Ambassador Souef thanked the Federal Government of Somalia, Troop and Police Contributing Countries, International partners and staff of the African Union for their support and commitment to predecessor missions, AMISOM and ATMIS. He emphasised that the progress made in Somalia has been a collective effort and called for continued collaboration.
He welcomed them to the new mission and outlined the mandate, saying AUSSOM will build upon the foundation laid by AMISOM and ATMIS while adapting to the evolving security landscape and the growing capabilities of Somali institutions.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to Somalia and acknowledged that the road ahead would require patience, determination, and unity of purpose, values that are especially meaningful during this holy month of Ramadan.
“The establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) marks the beginning of a new phase in our collective efforts. AUSSOM shall build on the gains of AMISOM and ATMIS by supporting Somalia’s Security Transition Plan, enhancing governance and local stabilisation efforts, and strengthening cooperation with regional and international partners,” said Ambassador Souef and called for sustained collaboration to support Somalia’s stabilisation and national priorities.
“Let us remember that the spirit of Ramadan calls upon us to reflect, unite, and extend our hands in service to one another. Somalia’s journey toward peace and prosperity continues, and the African Union remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting this great nation,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, thanked the African Union for its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s stability and security, highlighting the Somali Security Forces’ recent victories against Al-Shabaab.
“We are witnessing a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Somalia has made significant strides. We are on the path to revitalisation, with an unwavering focus on essential agendas that will shape our nation’s future,” said the Minister.
The event brought together senior Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) officials, including among others, Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed, Bare Mohamud; and the National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh-Ali.
Other distinguished guests included the Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Assistant Secretary-General, Aisa Kacyira; Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktas; Kenyan Ambassador to Somalia, Kubai Iringo; Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) representative, Mohamud Abdi Ahmed; and Uganda Charge d ’affairs.
Representatives from the United Kingdom, China, Italy, and several Directors of various FGS Ministries, departments and agencies also attended the event.
