mission

AU Plans Troop Surge for Somalia to Counter Al-Shabaab Advances MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a recent gathering of defense and foreign ministers in Kampala, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is poised for a troop increase. This decision follows a collective plea from Troop Contributing Countries. Somalia's security landscape remains precarious, with militants exerting control over extensive parts of the nation's central and southern regions. The Kampala meeting included delegates from…

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's Significant Visit to Entebbe On April 25, 2025, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly made a pivotal arrival in Entebbe, Uganda. His mission? To participate in an extraordinary summit focused on troop-contributing countries involved in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Such events often serve as a backdrop for evolving diplomatic landscapes, and this one was no exception. Representing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Madbouly took the reins of the Egyptian delegation at this crucial…

Mogadishu (AX) — The recent decision by the United States to abstain from a pivotal UN Security Council resolution has raised significant concerns regarding the future of the African Union’s Security Operations in Somalia (AUSSOM). As we approach a crucial vote in May concerning the mission’s funding, a sense of uncertainty permeates discussions surrounding the support, effectiveness, and overall strategy of AUSSOM in its mission to stabilize Somalia. At the heart of the U.S. abstention are serious reservations about the…

Somalia's Foreign Minister and AU Mission Head: A Tense Dynamic MOGADISHU – In the vibrant heart of Mogadishu, a city where historical echoes intertwine with the bustle of daily life, an unexpected declaration has stirred the political waters. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s charismatic Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently addressed the nation with a tone sharp enough to cut tension itself. During a candid interview, his words painted Sivuyile Bam, the Acting Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia…

The Chang'e 8 Mission: A Beacon of Hope and Innovation in African Space Exploration As we eagerly await updates on the final payload selection for China's anticipated Chang'e 8 mission, set to launch in 2028, it's fascinating to consider the implications of this groundbreaking project. One of its primary goals is to position a low-frequency radio telescope on the Moon, significantly enhancing our understanding of the cosmos. Yet, perhaps even more importantly, this mission holds the promise of inspiring the next…

Beledweyne (AX) — On a day that marked a significant step in regional security efforts, a fresh contingent of Djiboutian troops arrived in Beledweyne on Tuesday. This deployment is part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and represents the ongoing evolution of the African Union’s strategy following the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). As the aircraft touched down at Ugaas Khaliif Airport, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and resolve. The troops were warmly…

Somali Army's Potential in Tackling Threats: A Deep Dive MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia stands at a pivotal moment in its history, where potential and ambition converge with unprecedented challenges. The Somali National Army (SNA) is, according to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), ready to bear the mantle of safeguarding the nation. As we mark the 65th anniversary of the SNA, there's an air of hopeful anticipation mixed with a solemn remembrance of a tumultuous past. Can this…

In our ever-changing world, the need to effectively tackle a broad spectrum of issues—ranging from security concerns to environmental challenges and humanitarian crises—has never been more pressing. One wonders, what tools can nations rely on to navigate these turbulent waters? Enter special mission aircraft, a vital asset in securing strategic advantages and safeguarding national interests. Special mission aircraft are purpose-built wonders, conceived to carry out critical activities like…

Conversations on Security: A Collaborative Pathway in Somalia In the midst of the bustling and often unpredictable landscape of Somalia, the air at the UN Headquarters in Mogadishu was charged with a palpable sense of purpose. United Nations Security officials and commanders from the UN Guard Unit converged for a critical meeting, a gathering that resonated with shared intent and collective responsibility. This high-level briefing on security was not just another routine agenda. With security dynamics continually evolving,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an ambitious stride towards enhancing regional peace, the African Union alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, has sanctioned the inclusion of 2,500 Ethiopian troops into a redefined peacekeeping mission. This decision underscores a significant endeavor to quash the relentless aggression of Al-Shabaab, a group tethered to the al-Qaida network. The Ethiopian contingent falls under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia, commonly referenced as AUSSOM. Launched at the dawn of this year,…