ADDIS ABABA — The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, has reaffirmed the African Union’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts, security stabilization, and preparations for upcoming national elections.
Ambassador Haddadi made the remarks following a high-level meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held in Addis Ababa. She attended on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed Somalia’s ongoing political and security developments, including counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab, institutional reforms, and the transition of regional peacekeeping responsibilities under the African Union framework.
Ambassador Haddadi emphasized that the African Union remains firmly committed to upholding Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. She reiterated that Somalia continues to be a key partner of the African Union in advancing peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
She also underscored the AU’s continued support for Somali-led initiatives aimed at strengthening governance institutions, expanding state authority, and consolidating security gains made by Somali National Armed Forces in coordination with international partners.
The Deputy Chairperson commended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for what she described as “determined leadership” in the fight against Al-Shabaab. She further acknowledged the progress made by Somali security forces, particularly in areas recently liberated from the group, where government presence has been re-established.
According to the AU, sustaining these gains will require long-term coordination, predictable funding, and continued capacity-building for Somali security institutions.
A key part of the meeting focused on Somalia’s political roadmap, including preparations for upcoming presidential and national elections. Ambassador Haddadi welcomed ongoing efforts to promote inclusive political dialogue among Somali stakeholders, stressing that broad-based consultation is essential to ensuring credible, peaceful, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Somali people.
The African Union reiterated its readiness to provide technical and political support to Somalia’s electoral process, including mediation support where necessary to strengthen consensus among political actors.
The talks also addressed the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), particularly the financial constraints facing its operations. Both sides discussed the importance of securing sustainable and predictable funding for the mission as it continues to support Somali security forces in counterinsurgency operations and stabilization efforts across liberated territories.
The African Union noted that inadequate funding remains a key challenge affecting operational effectiveness and long-term planning, and called for stronger international burden-sharing.
Ambassador Haddadi reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s integration into the broader continental development framework under AU Agenda 2063. She noted that Somalia’s progress in security, governance, and institutional reform is closely linked to the AU’s long-term vision of a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Africa.
The AU pledged continued engagement with Somali authorities to advance development priorities, strengthen resilience, and support reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected regions.
