Somalia’s AUSSOM Peace Mission Deployment Reaches Completion
MOGADISHU, Somalia – In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a dedicated assembly of African Union defense ministers recently gathered to address a matter of profound importance: the stabilization of Somalia. Their conversations echo through the bustling streets of Mogadishu, as they finalize the details of deploying an 11,900-strong force for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Launched at the dawn of 2025, this peacekeeping mission embodies a collective commitment to foster security and stability in a country that has long been a battleground of conflict and uncertainty. This week, after much deliberation, the exact composition of soldiers, police officers, and civilians involved in AUSSOM was confirmed. The significance of this decision is difficult to overstate, playing a vital role in the region’s continued march towards peace.
The ministerial-level conference of the Somalia Operations Coordination Committee (SOCC), wrapped up two days ago, marked a pivotal moment. It concluded with a commitment to convene a meeting of technical experts aimed at ironing out the final plan for troop deployment to the African Union’s new stabilization mission in Somalia. The SOCC, aligning closely with directives from troop and police-contributing nations, ratified Somalia’s force deployment plan as the central framework, underscoring its crucial role in the mission’s success.
“The deployment plan is not just a framework but a lifeline for the mission’s operational success,” remarked one of the ministers, capturing the essence of their resolve. How often have we seen missions stumble due to inadequate planning? Their collective wisdom seeks to preempt such pitfalls.
Nations like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Egypt have already come to an agreement with Somalia on their contributions, each country pledging its share of the burden. However, Burundi, the Central African nation known for its steadfast approach to military support, is negotiating for a greater role in the mission by seeking to double their contingent.
The conclave also attracted key defense and police chiefs who turned their focus to the logistical and operational transitions from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, extended heartfelt appreciation to the nations providing troops and police. Their unwavering dedication through the ATMIS mission has undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for AUSSOM.
Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, the Somali Minister of Defense, spoke candidly about Somalia’s path—its progress and hurdles. As he reaffirmed Somalia’s unwavering commitment to regional collaboration and enduring peace, it’s hard not to reflect on the heavy past, its ongoing struggles against Al-Shabab and ISIS looming large over every commitment made.
As discussions on Somalia’s future persist, one question lingers: how ready is the Somali National Army to assume full security responsibilities? The eventual withdrawal of foreign troops looms as both a goal and a challenge, demanding a prepared and resilient national force. The commitment of neighboring nations, coupled with the resolve of Somalia’s leaders, gives hope, yet the road ahead is paved with trials.
Amidst all these discussions, a poignant anecdote surfaces. A Somali elder recalls the times not too long ago when peace seemed a mere fleeting notion, rather than the attainable goal it is today. The weight of their hope, shared across campfires and amidst vibrant marketplaces, breathes life into these lofty commitments.
As we digest the gravity of these developments, considering those on the ground who stand on the frontline of this mission becomes essential. Their stories and sacrifices are both a testament to and catalyst for the peace we strive to build.
Edited by Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
