Regional Leaders Gather in Uganda for Summit on Future of AU Mission in Somalia

KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda on Wednesday opened an extraordinary three-day summit bringing together countries contributing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as regional leaders seek to chart the future of the mission and Somalia's long-term security transition.

The meeting began with a gathering of chiefs of defence forces from troop-contributing countries. Defence ministers are scheduled to meet on Thursday, followed by a summit of presidents and heads of government on Friday.

The summit brings together leaders and senior officials from Somalia, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Egypt. Representatives from the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are also attending.

The talks come as Somali government forces, backed by AUSSOM troops and international partners, continue military operations against the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab while authorities work toward gradually transferring security responsibilities to Somali national forces.

According to Uganda's Ministry of Defence, the agenda includes reviewing progress in stabilizing Somalia, assessing the country's security transition plan, and identifying ways to sustain support for AUSSOM. The summit is being held under the theme, "Sustaining Somalia's Stabilization Process."

The African Union delegation is led by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, accompanied by AUSSOM head El Hadji Ibrahima Diene. Senior peacekeeping officials and representatives of the UN mission in Somalia represent the United Nations.

In a statement, Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa in partnership with the African Union, the United Nations, IGAD and other international partners.

A key focus of the Kampala summit is expected to be the future of AUSSOM, whose current mandate expires on Dec. 31, 2026. Leaders are expected to discuss the mission's financing, troop capabilities and a roadmap for enabling Somali security forces to assume full responsibility for national security.

Somali officials say government forces have recaptured several strategic areas over the past year and restored basic public services in some locations previously under Al-Shabaab control.

The meeting also comes as Turkey deepens its security and diplomatic engagement in Somalia. Earlier this month, Ankara hosted talks between Somalia's federal government and opposition politicians aimed at easing political tensions and supporting the country's state-building process.

Recommendations from the Kampala summit are expected to be submitted to the African Union Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council, helping shape the next phase of the AU's security engagement in Somalia after the current AUSSOM mandate expires.

GAROWE ONLINE