Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regional peace, security and cooperation as preparations for the upcoming High-Level Summit on the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) gained momentum in Munyonyo.
Speaking during the opening of the summit preparations on Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, welcomed delegates from participating countries and commended the organising committee and international partners for their commitment to ensuring the success of the mission.
Gen. Kainerugaba said the discussions come at a critical moment as AUSSOM continues to support Somalia’s security and stabilisation efforts amid evolving regional security challenges.
He stressed that sustained collaboration among African nations and international partners is essential to address operational and logistical constraints facing the mission.
He noted that the planned conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) presents fresh challenges, particularly in ensuring uninterrupted logistical and operational support for AUSSOM. He called for the development of sustainable mechanisms to maintain the mission’s effectiveness.
The CDF underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, shared responsibility and coordinated action in safeguarding the gains achieved in Somalia’s pursuit of lasting peace and stability.
Uganda, one of the longest-serving contributors to peace support operations in Somalia, reiterated its support for stronger regional cooperation and collective solutions to emerging security threats across the continent.
The AUSSOM High-Level Summit brings together senior officials, military leaders and international partners to deliberate on the future of the mission and strengthen commitments towards promoting peace, security and long-term stability in Somalia.
