The Government of Uganda chaired the 1287th session of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), which focused on the security situation in Somalia and the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The high-level meeting, which was held virtually, was attended by senior officials from Somalia, the African Union, the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union and other African Union member states.
The meeting was opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, Lt Gen Abubakhar Jeje Odongo, who expressed his deep respect for the Ugandan soldiers who lost their lives in a military plane crash near Mogadishu on 2 July. He described them as heroes who sacrificed their lives for peace and unity in Africa, and extended his heartfelt condolences to their families. The Minister also affirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
The discussions at the conference focused on the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups, particularly Al-Shabaab, to the security of Somalia. The valiant efforts of the Somali security forces and African Union peacekeepers in the country, who are protecting vulnerable populations and combating Al-Shabaab, were highlighted.
The officials in attendance unanimously commended the sacrifices of AUSSOM troops, especially those who recently died in Somalia from Uganda, and expressed their support for the Somali people and the country’s security agencies who are continuously engaged in ensuring security.
The PSC also addressed the financial challenges facing the AUSSOM operation, and agreed to increase the budget of the African Union Crisis Management Facility to $20 million by 2025, to enhance the effectiveness of the operation. The council also called for enhanced cooperation with international partners and the convening of a special resource mobilization conference to address the existing funding gaps.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the need to complement security with long-term political and socio-economic efforts. The council members expressed the importance of accelerating inclusive governance reforms, strengthening dialogue between the federal government and state governments, and advancing community-led reconstruction and development efforts to ensure lasting peace.
In conclusion, the Ugandan Foreign Minister reiterated that his country remains committed to working with all African Union member states, the Somali government and the international community to build a peaceful, stable and united Somalia. He made it clear that he would not back down and that Uganda would continue its diplomatic and peacekeeping role in the region. This will be the fifth time Uganda has chaired the African Union Peace and Security Council, bringing its total tenure on the PSC to 13 years, including two years of recent re-election.
