AU Concludes Training to Bolster Somalia Peace Mission

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The African Union (AU) has concluded a high-level training session to reinforce the effectiveness of its peacekeeping mission in Somalia, finalizing a key operational plan as the country prepares for a phased security transition.

The four-day Technical Training Working Session in Mogadishu produced a Statement of Unity Requirement (SUR), outlining the personnel and equipment needed by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The move is aimed at ensuring AUSSOM remains capable of countering threats, particularly from the militant group Al-Shabaab, as Somali forces gradually take over security responsibilities.

Brigadier General Billy Atwoki from the AU Commission’s Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) and AUSSOM Force Commander Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to maintaining stability in Somalia.

“The AU remains fully dedicated to equipping AUSSOM with the necessary resources to fulfill its mandate effectively,” Atwoki said.

Senior officials from the AU Commission, the Federal Government of Somalia, Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs), AUSSOM leadership, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), and international partners attended the meeting.

Somalia’s Senior Defence Advisor, Jihan Abdullahi Hassan, stressed the importance of aligning AUSSOM’s mission with Somalia’s national security strategy to ensure the transition remains on track.

The AU, in partnership with Somali authorities and international allies, is leading efforts to reform Somalia’s security sector and transfer control to national forces. The SUR finalization is a critical step in sustaining operational effectiveness as the AU gradually hands over security responsibilities.

The discussions underscored a shared commitment to Somalia’s long-term stability, reinforcing collaboration between the AU, the Somali government, and global partners.