Addis Ababa — Somalia has officially assumed a seat on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council for the first time since the body was established in 2003, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the country.
The Federal Government of Somalia secured election to the council in February 2026 and will serve a two-year term. The appointment has been viewed as a sign of increasing confidence among African member states in Somalia’s role in supporting regional peace, security and political cooperation.
A formal ceremony was held at the council’s headquarters, where Somalia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, raised the Somali flag to mark the country’s official entry into the body.
Somali officials described the development as a historic moment that strengthens the country’s position within continental affairs and expands its participation in discussions on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and regional stability.
The African Union Peace and Security Council is responsible for promoting peace, security and stability across the continent and plays a central role in conflict prevention, mediation and crisis response.
Somalia’s membership comes as the country seeks to deepen diplomatic engagement and reinforce its role in regional and multilateral institutions.
