Africa-Press – Uganda. The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has landed in Entebbe, Uganda, to participate in the Extraordinary Summit of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The high-level summit brings together leaders from across the Horn of Africa and the broader African Union security apparatus to deliberate on the future of AUSSOM and the shared responsibility of stabilising Somalia a nation still grappling with the long-term effects of civil conflict, terrorism, and political fragility.
Speaking upon arrival, Dr. Workneh underscored the urgency of coordinated regional efforts. “We are here not just as officials, but as custodians of peace.
The sacrifices made by our brave sons and daughters in uniform demand that we act decisively. Somalia’s peace is not just Somalia’s business—it is our business as neighbours, as Africans, and as part of the global family,” he said.
The summit is expected to assess the progress of AUSSOM, launched to replace the long-standing African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and reinforce collective strategies amid shifting regional and geopolitical dynamics.
Delegations from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, and Djibouti—major troop contributors—are expected to table proposals for a sustainable exit strategy and long-term peace building roadmap.
According to a communique from IGAD, the summit also aims to “reaffirm the commitment of Troop Contributing Countries to the protection of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while supporting the Somali government in consolidating its authority.”
Peacekeeping efforts in Somalia have come at a steep cost. Thousands of African peacekeepers have lost their lives battling extremist groups like al-Shabaab. But regional leaders insist their sacrifice is not in vain.
“Peace keepers from across the continent particularly from Somalia’s neighbouring states have borne great sacrifices in the pursuit of lasting peace,” said Dr. Workneh. “Their sacrifice fuels our collective commitment to achieving a peaceful Somalia—an essential pillar for a safer world.”
The summit comes amid increasing calls for homegrown African-led solutions to conflicts on the continent, and a push for enhanced regional ownership of security operations previously dominated by foreign powers.
The outcome of the summit is expected to shape the next phase of operations in Somalia, with a keen eye on stabilisation, development, and reconciliation in the war-torn nation.
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