Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to Somalia, saying regional countries must remain united in the fight against extremism and efforts to secure lasting stability.
Speaking at the close of a three-day summit of leaders from countries contributing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Mr Museveni said Uganda’s involvement was based on Pan-African solidarity and regional security interests.
The summit brought together leaders from Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Egypt and Burundi.
Mr Museveni said Uganda’s decision to deploy forces to Somalia was not based on geographical proximity, noting that the two countries do not share a border.
He identified the fight against religious extremism and solidarity with neighbouring countries facing regional security threats as the main reasons for Uganda’s continued involvement.
He warned against extremist movements seeking to impose ideological or religious doctrines on African societies, arguing that the continent’s history was characterised by diversity, coexistence and respect for different traditions.
Mr Museveni also pointed to the interconnected nature of security threats in the Horn of Africa, recalling how ideological and political pressures had previously emerged from Sudan and affected the wider region.
He said Uganda’s intervention was also intended to support Ethiopia in confronting threats that crossed national borders.
The Ugandan president called on ideological movements to respect the sovereignty and social fabric of African states, while stressing the importance of Somalia achieving lasting peace, self-determination and strong institutions.
African-led response urged
The Heads of State meeting followed discussions among the countries’ defence ministers and military chiefs.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who chaired the military chiefs’ session, called for urgent preparations for an African-led security arrangement as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) prepares to end its operations on 31 December 2026.
“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity, and resolve,” Gen Kainerugaba said.
He urged troop-contributing countries to accelerate work on alternative arrangements to ensure that security gains in Somalia are not undermined by the transition.
Recommendations from the military chiefs were subsequently adopted by the defence ministers before being submitted to the Heads of State.
AU praises Uganda’s role
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised Uganda for its longstanding role in Somalia, saying the country had been one of the main pillars of Africa’s engagement there for nearly two decades.
“Its leadership and the sacrifices borne by its forces, and by those of all troop- and police-contributing countries, command our deepest appreciation,” he said.
Mr Youssouf paid tribute to African soldiers and police officers who have served under the AU flag, including those who lost their lives during the mission.
He said their courage and sacrifice had helped Somalia make progress towards greater stability.
The AU Commission has also reaffirmed its intention to preserve the gains made under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) while ensuring an orderly transition that reflects conditions on the ground.
Mr Youssouf said the AU would continue working with international partners to secure predictable and sustainable political, diplomatic and financial support for Somalia.
He assured the Somali government and people that the continental body remained committed to mobilising the resources needed to support the country’s path towards peace and stability.
