President Mohamud Calls for African Unity, Defends Sovereignty at AU Summit

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ADDIS ABABA: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged stronger African cooperation on security and governance while defending Somalia’s sovereignty in a keynote speech at the 39th African Union Summit.

Addressing heads of state and delegates, the president said Mogadishu remains committed to deeper continental integration and more coordinated African engagement on global platforms, including at the United Nations Security Council.

He thanked African Union member states for backing Somalia’s election to the AU Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, describing the vote as a sign of renewed confidence in the country’s political recovery and diplomatic outreach.

The president pointed to what he called tangible democratic gains at home, citing the rollout of one-person, one-vote elections in the Banadir region as a milestone in Somalia’s state-building process. Preparations are underway, he said, to expand direct elections nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen inclusive and accountable governance.

President Mohamud also raised concerns over actions by Israel that infringe on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He thanked African states for issuing a joint statement rejecting such interference and reaffirming support for Somalia’s independence.

Concluding his remarks, the president called for greater African unity in tackling shared security and development challenges, saying the continent’s collective strength rests on safeguarding sovereignty and advancing democratic institutions.