Ministers of Defence from African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Troop-Contributing Countries have commended the technical report prepared by the Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs), laying the strategic groundwork for the mission as it faces critical support threats ahead of January 2027.
The three-day summit brings together diplomats, military, and defence leaders from Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, and host nation Somalia. The CDF report, finalized on Wednesday, feeds directly into ministerial deliberations Thursday and will eventually guide regional Heads of State during Friday's Extraordinary Summit.
Ms. Zinene Chiradza, Director of the Conflict Management Directorate at the African Union Commission, commended the military leadership for their foundational technical work, highlighting its importance for incoming executive decisions.
"I wish to commend the exceptional work conducted by the Chiefs of Defence Forces for the preparation of a report to be considered by the Ministers of Defence today," Chiradza said. "Proposals from yesterday's meeting are crucial to better inform Heads of State to validate appropriate actions during this probable transition."
She further noted that the summit's timing is critical, noting that "the existence of the main support line for the AU mission in Somalia is under serious threat as of January 2027."
Opening the military chiefs' session on Wednesday, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who chaired the proceedings, urged swift action as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) prepares to conclude operations by December 31, 2026.
"These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity, and resolve," Gen. Kainerugaba stated, emphasizing the need for troop-contributing countries to fast-track African-led alternative arrangements.
Welcoming delegates to the ministerial session, Uganda's Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to Somalia's peace and security. He recalled that since deploying the very first troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2007, Uganda has remained steadfast in its devotion to Pan-African solidarity, collective responsibility, and African-led solutions to continental challenges.
While acknowledging progress achieved over nearly two decades, Kiwanuka warned that Al-Shabaab remains a complex threat requiring coordinated military and political responses. He stressed that moving from AMISOM and ATMIS to AUSSOM must be carefully managed to prevent security gaps.
"Building national ownership remains the most sustainable path towards enduring peace," Kiwanuka emphasized, underscoring the importance of developing capable Somali security institutions and maintaining dialogue between the Federal Government and Federal Member States.
Addressing the mission's persistent financial deficit, Minister Kiwanuka urged international partners to support reliable, long-term funding.
"AUSSOM cannot continue without the requisite resources. We must find a solution to this perennial challenge," Kiwanuka noted.
The summit will conclude on July 31 with final directives issued by regional Heads of State.
