Somalia Peace Keeping Troops Commanders Meet for Mission Evaluation

Commanders and other political leaders from countries contributing military troops keeping peace in Somalia have gathered in Kampala to evaluate the nearly 20 years of the mission. The senior officials and delegates from Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) are in Kampala for a high-level preparatory meeting ahead of the heads of state visit at the end of this week.  

Head of states from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Egypt are expected to gather in Kampala on Friday for the AUSSOM evaluation meeting.

This precedes an Extraordinary Summit aimed at evaluating ongoing efforts and setting the strategic direction for long-term peace and stability in Somalia.

The Kampala summit was agreed upon during the recent official visit of Somali President H.E. Hassan Sheikh Muhamoud to Uganda. Sheikh Muhamoud agreed with President Yoweri Museveni to convene under the theme “To Stabilize Somalia,” identifying this as the mission’s ultimate objective.

Ambassador John Mugerwa, who chaired the AUSSOM commanders and other delegates’ preparatory meeting, recalled that the African Union Peace and Security Council endorsed AUSSOM’s Concept of Operations in August 2024.

Mugerwa explained that the mission is currently in its first phase, focusing on repositioning troops and transferring key security locations to Somali forces to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities.

“In the spirit of the common African defence and security policy, an attack on one is considered an attack on all,” Mugerwa said. “This is the spirit that has so far guided this struggle from the early days of AMISOM.”

Mugerwa underscored that AUSSOM’s success rests on Somalia’s ability to build and prepare its national security forces, adding that it “hinges on force generation, integration, mentorship, and the readiness of Somali forces.”

Mugerwa called for stronger financial and logistical support, stating, “The success of this mission will depend in large part on the provision of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding.” Mugerwa acknowledged the crucial contributions of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other international partners.

Mugerwa conveyed condolences to those injured and honoured the soldiers from TCCs and Somalia who “paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of peace and stability in Somalia.” He reaffirmed Uganda’s long-term commitment to Somalia, dating back to its initial troop deployment under AMISOM in 2007. 

He proposed the creation of a political body to oversee stabilisation efforts, backed by a robust monitoring and evaluation system, and advocated for political reconciliation between Somalia’s federal government, its federal member states, and clan leaders.

Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) who represented Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, welcomed his fellow senior military commanders and other security delegates.

Others who attended the preparatory meeting include Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika, who is Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma; and representatives from Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.