Entebbe, Uganda – SONNA: African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for urgent international support to sustain the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Speaking before ministers and diplomats from contributing nations, Youssouf paid solemn tribute to the thousands of African peacekeepers who have sacrificed their lives over two decades of operations in Somalia, stating “their valuable sons and daughters paid the ultimate price” for the cause of regional stability.
While acknowledging significant progress made by Somali forces against Al-Shabaab with ATMIS support, the Chairperson warned that these hard-won gains remain fragile. He emphasized the critical importance of a successful transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM, noting the mission faces severe financial constraints and uneven implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which mandates international support. “The Commission will spare no efforts to mobilize resources,” Youssouf stated, “but it will take collective effort from member countries and partners to prevent this African peace mission from collapsing.”
The Chairperson framed Somalia’s stability as having implications far beyond its borders, declaring that security in Somalia benefits not just the Horn of Africa but global peace at large. He commended both AU peacekeepers and Somali security forces for their efforts on the ground, while also praising the Federal Government’s political progress in state-building. However, Youssouf encouraged Somali leaders to pursue greater inclusivity with Federal Member States to strengthen national unity.
Concluding his address, the Chairperson reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering commitment to Somalia, pledging continued solidarity with both the government and people. The summit highlighted the delicate balance facing international stakeholders as Somalia prepares to assume full security responsibilities, with the success of the AUSSOM transition seen as pivotal to preventing a security vacuum that could be exploited by extremist groups. As ATMIS prepares for its December 2024 drawdown, the international community faces pressing questions about how to sustainably support Somalia’s long-term stability.
