Sunday, June 29, 2025 — HANFormer Prime Minister of Somalia, Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali (Gaas), has been officially appointed as the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union for South Sudan. He will also serve as the Head of the African Union Mission in Juba.
This appointment, announced by the African Union Secretariat, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the East African region, particularly in South Sudan, which continues to face serious political and security challenges.
South Sudan is currently gripped by a political dispute and escalating tensions stemming from a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Since 2013, the country has endured a prolonged period of conflict that has resulted in massive displacement, widespread violence, and severe food shortages.
Dr. Abdiweli Gaas, who served as Somalia’s Prime Minister from 2011 to 2012 and as President of Puntland from 2014 to 2019, is a seasoned politician with extensive experience in politics, governance, and diplomacy.
The African Union hopes his appointment will pave the way for renewed progress in mediation efforts and regional cooperation. Dr. Gaas is expected to begin his new role in Juba without delay.
