The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s stability and development during a high-profile visit by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Arriving in Mogadishu on Sunday for a two-day official visit, Youssouf was received at Aden Adde International Airport by Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, along with cabinet ministers and senior officials from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
This visit, the first official trip by Youssouf since assuming office, underscores the AU’s dedication to fostering peace, governance, and regional integration in Somalia. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Youssouf commended Somalia’s continued progress in advancing stability and governance while reinforcing the AU’s unwavering support for the nation.
“As a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor to the African Union Commission, Somalia remains steadfast in its commitment to continental unity, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation,” Youssouf stated. His remarks highlighted Somalia’s crucial role in the AU’s broader vision of regional cooperation and integration.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, welcomed Youssouf’s visit and expressed appreciation for the AU’s continued support. He emphasized the shared vision between Somalia and the AU in strengthening collaboration to achieve lasting peace and stability.
During the visit, Youssouf is expected to engage in high-level discussions with Somalia’s leadership and officials from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The discussions will focus on the ongoing security transition, capacity-building efforts, and mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the AU and Somalia.
The African Union has played a pivotal role in Somalia’s security and governance landscape, particularly through ATMIS, which has been instrumental in combating extremist threats and supporting the Somali government’s stabilization efforts. The transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM marks a new phase in Somalia’s quest for sustainable security and governance.
Youssouf’s visit reaffirms the AU’s long-term commitment to Somalia’s progress and stability. It also reinforces Somalia’s significance as a key partner in continental peace and development, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in the years ahead.
