PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HOSTS SECOND EXTRAORDINARY AUSSOM TROOP-CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES SUMMIT, REAFFIRMS AFRICA'S COMMITMENT TO PEACE IN SOMALIA

By Sarah Nanteza Kyobe

His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, hosted the Second Extraordinary Summit of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) with the Federal Government of Somalia on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.

The summit brought together Heads of State, government and senior representatives from Uganda, Somalia, Burundi, Kenya, Egypt, Djibouti and Ethiopia, alongside officials from the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

The meeting reviewed the political and security situation in Somalia, assessed progress in the implementation of previous summit resolutions, evaluated the operational readiness of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and considered the future of AUSSOM during the ongoing security transition.

The summit was informed of the outcomes of the Chiefs of Defence Forces meeting held on July 29, 2026 and the Defence Ministers’ meeting held on July 30, 2026, which examined the status of security operations against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, force generation, mission capabilities, resource mobilisation and strategic options for sustaining the African Union’s presence in Somalia.

The leaders commended troop-contributing countries for their unwavering commitment and immense sacrifices in the pursuit of peace, security and stability in Somalia. They paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and honoured those who sustained injuries, while serving under the African Union mission.

The summit reaffirmed its commitment to a united, peaceful and stable Somalia anchored on strong national institutions, democratic governance and inclusive political dialogue. It emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, traditional leaders and local communities in order to consolidate the gains made against terrorism.

The leaders underscored the urgent need to strengthen the capacity of the Somali National Armed Forces through enhanced training, mentorship, intelligence support, surveillance capabilities and the development of an integrated military doctrine, to enable Somalia gradually assume full responsibility for its national security.

Recognising the importance of sustainable support to the mission, the summit directed the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the troop-contributing countries, working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Commission, to establish a joint task force, to develop a comprehensive strategy for sustainable financing during the transition period, including preparations for a donor conference to mobilise political and financial support for AUSSOM.

The summit further agreed that its recommendations would be submitted to the African Union Peace and Security Council for consideration and onward transmission to the United Nations Security Council.

In his remarks, President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment towards Somalia’s peace and stability, noting that Uganda’s contribution has always been guided by principle, Pan-African solidarity and the shared responsibility of safeguarding regional peace and security.

The president stressed that Africa possesses the determination and the capacity to resolve its own security challenges through unity, cooperation and collective action. He called for sustained collaboration among African countries, in confronting terrorism and violent extremism, while urging continued efforts to build strong national institutions capable of guaranteeing lasting peace and development.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission reaffirmed the African Union’s steadfast commitment to Somalia, assuring the summit that the Commission would continue mobilising political, diplomatic, technical and financial support to safeguard the gains achieved over the past two decades and ensure a successful transition.

The summit concluded with appreciation towards His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the government and people of Uganda for the warm hospitality extended to all delegations, as well as for Uganda’s continued leadership and contribution to regional peace and security.

The writer works for Uganda Media Centre