Somalia has marked a historic milestone by officially taking up a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the first time since the body’s establishment in 2003.
The Federal Government of Somalia secured election to the influential council in February 2026 and will serve a two-year term. The appointment reflects growing confidence among African nations in Somalia’s evolving role in advancing regional peace, security, and stability.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, formally raised the Somali flag at the council’s headquarters, symbolizing the country’s official assumption of its new responsibilities.
Government officials have described the development as a significant step forward in enhancing Somalia’s international standing.
Analysts view Somalia’s inclusion in the council as both a recognition of progress made in recent years and an opportunity for the country to play a more active role in shaping continental security policies.
The newly elected Members are the Republics of Benin, Gabon, Somalia, & South Africa, & the Kingdoms of Lesotho, & Morocco, alongside the re-elected members that include Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, & Uganda, Somalia assumes its seat on the Council for the first time.
