Uganda Pushes for Inclusive Political Roadmap in Somalia as AUSSOM Talks Highlight Divisions

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has called for the creation of an inclusive political dialogue roadmap for Somalia, as tensions over the country’s political divisions dominated discussions among defence and security officials from African Union troop-contributing countries.

Details emerging from a meeting held on Wednesday among ministers from countries contributing forces to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) showed that political issues were among the most heavily debated topics.

Uganda, which is hosting the meetings and remains one of the largest troop contributors to Somalia, argued that a comprehensive political roadmap was necessary to achieve lasting stability and ensure broader political inclusion.

Kampala urged troop-contributing countries (TCCs) to encourage Somalia’s federal government to engage in inclusive dialogue with political actors and emphasized that Somali leaders should take ownership of efforts to resolve internal disagreements.

“The political differences in Somalia must be addressed through dialogue and a process that brings all stakeholders together,” officials familiar with the discussions said.

However, Somalia’s federal government and Djibouti argued that political disagreements should be addressed during the heads of state summit scheduled to take place in Kampala on Thursday, despite the absence of several key leaders.

The dispute highlights continued divisions within Somalia’s political landscape, with regional and international partners pressing for consensus ahead of major security and governance decisions.

Djibouti has maintained support for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, while several troop-contributing countries, backed by Western partners, have pushed for a broader political agreement they view as essential for Somalia’s long-term stability.

The discussions come as AUSSOM faces growing challenges over security financing, troop support and the future of international engagement in Somalia’s stabilization efforts.

GAROWE ONLINE