In a significant diplomatic engagement, Uganda, this afternoon, presided over the 1287th session of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), held virtually at Ministerial level. The meeting chaired by Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar focused on the evolving security dynamics in Somalia and assessed the strategic direction of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Opening the session, Minister Odongo honored the memory of Ugandan peacekeepers who tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash on July 2nd 2025 near Mogadishu, while serving under AUSSOM. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praising the fallen personnel as heroes of peace and continental solidarity. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia, and the wider Horn of Africa, describing it as “unwavering”.
The high-level meeting convened senior officials from the Federal Republic of Somalia, the African Union Commission, the United Nations, IGAD, the European Union and AU Member States. Central to the dialogue was the sustained threat posed by violent extremist groups particularly Al-Shabaab and the courageous response of Somali Security Forces and AU personnel in countering insurgency and safeguarding communities.
In a collective act of solidarity, Uganda and fellow AU Member States paid tribute to all forces under AUSSOM, emphasizing the enduring sacrifice of uniformed personnel, including the most recent Ugandan casualties. The Council applauded the resilience of the Somali people and the determination of national defense institutions to reclaim and protect sovereign territory.
Recognizing the financial challenges constraining mission effectiveness, the AU-PSC resolved to increase the African Union’s Crisis Reserve Facility to USD 20 million for 2025 as it contribution to financing AUSSOM activities. The Council further called for enhanced international coordination, urging the AU Commission to engage bilateral and multilateral partners to convene a targeted resource mobilization conference to bridge funding gaps and reinforce AUSSOM’s mandate.
The meeting also underscored the strategic necessity of complementing security interventions with long-term political and socio-economic recovery efforts. Council members called for renewed focus on inclusive governance, dialogue between the federal Government and Federal Member States, and community-driven post conflict reconstruction and development to ensure sustainable peace.
In closing, Hon. Gen. Odongo reaffirmed Uganda’s enduring commitment to multilateral diplomacy and regional security. “We must not retreat,” he declared. “Uganda remains ready to work with all African Union Member States, Somalia’s government, and the broader international community to build a peaceful, stable, and united Somalia.”
