Somalia has officially taken a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), its first since the council was established in 2003, in a major diplomatic achievement for the country.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, officially hoisted the Somali flag at the council’s headquarters on Tuesday, marking the country’s assumption of its new mandate for the 2026–2028 term.
Government officials described the move as a historic achievement that enhances Somalia’s international reputation and demonstrates its growing role in peace and security efforts on the continent.
“This elevates Somalia’s voice in setting the African peace and security agenda, and reflects the confidence African countries have in Somalia’s progress and leadership,” the ambassador said.
Somalia was elected to the 15-member council in February 2026. During its term, Somalia will be responsible for strengthening conflict prevention, promoting peacebuilding and reconciliation, enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, and supporting post-conflict recovery efforts on the continent.
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union is the AU’s principal decision-making body responsible for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts. It is responsible for overseeing peace support operations, imposing sanctions when necessary, and coordinating joint responses to crises in Africa.
Somalia’s membership comes at a time when the country is further strengthening its domestic efforts to ensure security and is playing a role in peace efforts in the Horn of Africa region.
This appointment is widely seen as recognition of Somalia’s progress in rebuilding state institutions and effective participation in regional and international affairs after decades of conflict and instability.
