Friday April 25, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — The African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called on member states and international partners to renew their commitment to Somalia, warning that the country’s hard-won gains against Al-Shabaab risk being reversed without sustained support.

Speaking at a high-level summit of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) in Entebbe, Uganda, the chairperson stressed that Somalia remains at a critical juncture, with the security transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) facing financial and political hurdles.

“Somalia still needs our support,” the official said, emphasizing that the Federal Government of Somalia did make tremendous gains against the Al Shabab on many fronts, with the Support of ATMIS forces.”

Youssouf acknowledged that Resolution 2719, which outlines the future of the AU’s presence in Somalia, continues to face resistance and funding shortfalls. “The Commission of the African Union will spare no effort to mobilize financial resources,” he added, “but saving this African-led mission requires a collective effort.”

The meeting in Entebbe brought together foreign ministers and defense officials from countries that have contributed troops to Somalia over the past two decades. Thousands of peacekeepers have died while helping Somalia restore stability and combat terrorism.

“We honor the memory of those brave men and women who paid the ultimate price,” the AU official said, calling their sacrifice a cornerstone of Somalia’s ongoing state-building process.

He also praised the Somali Federal Government’s efforts to establish functioning state institutions and urged continued outreach to Federal Member States to foster national unity.  In addition to recognizing the role of Somali defense and security forces, the AU commended the work of ATMIS and AUSSOM soldiers operating in hostile conditions.