Ethiopia has reiterated its commitment to supporting the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), emphasizing the mission's critical role in Somalia's security transition and state-building efforts.
The reaffirmation came during a recent summit held in Kampala, Uganda, where heads of state and government from troop-contributing countries convened to assess Somalia's security landscape and the future of AUSSOM. The discussions highlighted the need for enhanced coordination among the African Union, Somalia's government, and regional partners.
Key Summit Outcomes
- Recognition of AUSSOM's pivotal role in assisting Somali forces as they assume greater security responsibilities.
- Calls for predictable and reliable funding to address current financial challenges threatening the mission's sustainability.
- Agreement on the importance of stabilizing areas liberated from Al-Shabaab and expanding government presence nationwide.
- Emphasis on regional cooperation to safeguard progress against Al-Shabaab and prevent security setbacks.
Ethiopia stressed that peace and stability in Somalia are intrinsically linked to the broader security of the Horn of Africa. The country urged international partners to maintain consistent support to ensure uninterrupted operations of AUSSOM.
Following the restoration of diplomatic ties with Somalia, Ethiopia continues to contribute troops under the African Union framework, working closely with Mogadishu to enhance security and governance. The mission, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, focuses on strengthening Somali security institutions while facilitating a gradual transfer of security duties to local forces.
The summit concluded with a unified call for sustained international aid and deeper regional collaboration to secure Somalia’s ongoing transition towards peace and stability.
