ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia | July 8, 2026 — Uganda, through its Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, has chaired a high-level consultation of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the future of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The informal session, held under Uganda's presidency of the Peace and Security Council for the month of July, brought together senior African Union officials and representatives of member states to assess the mission's progress and discuss strategies for strengthening its long-term effectiveness.
Speaking during the consultation, African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that AUSSOM's future should be guided by clear strategic objectives that respond to Somalia's evolving security environment. He called for stronger international partnerships to sustain the mission and ensure that Africa's peace support operations receive predictable and adequate financial backing.
The Chairperson stressed that sustainable financing remains essential to the success of AUSSOM, urging African countries and international partners to work together in securing long-term resources that will enable the mission to continue supporting peace and stability in Somalia.
Delegates also recognized the contribution of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), whose commitment has helped improve security and support Somalia's transition toward lasting peace. Participants noted that future efforts should preserve the progress already achieved while adapting to emerging security and governance challenges.
The consultation further examined measures to strengthen the African Union's capacity to finance peace operations, including accelerating the implementation of the 0.2 percent AU import levy and increasing financial contributions from member states to reduce reliance on external funding.
As Chair of the Peace and Security Council for July, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo continues to play a central role in guiding discussions on critical peace and security issues affecting the continent. Uganda's leadership reflects its longstanding commitment to promoting African-led solutions, regional cooperation and sustainable peacebuilding initiatives.
The recommendations emerging from the consultation are expected to inform future decisions on AUSSOM's mandate and contribute to the African Union's broader efforts to support peace, security and state-building in Somalia.
