AU Pledges Stronger Backing for Somalia’s Security Transition

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia and the African Union (AU) have agreed to deepen cooperation on security operations and state-building efforts, following high-level talks in Mogadishu between Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and the new head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene.

The meeting reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s military offensive against al-Shabaab insurgents and ensuring a smooth handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces under the country’s national transition plan.

“The Somali government is making steady progress, and AUSSOM stands ready to reinforce this momentum,” Ambassador Diene said during the talks, which were also attended by his deputy, Mouktar Ousman Karie.

Prime Minister Hamza emphasized the critical role of African Union forces in stabilizing newly liberated areas and underlined Somalia’s determination to lead its own security strategy.

The talks mark a renewed push to coordinate joint operations, stabilize recovered territories, and build sustainable national security institutions.

The outcome signals growing trust between Somalia and the AU, as the country works to reduce reliance on foreign forces.