AU Hails Somalia’s 2024 Achievements, Launches AUSSOM for 2025 Peace Efforts.

Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the African Union Special Representative for Somalia, has conveyed a New Year message celebrating Somalia’s significant achievements in 2024 and expressing optimism for continued progress in 2025 under the newly operational African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

In his message, Ambassador Souef praised the Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, for its dedication to peace, security, and economic revitalization. He highlighted key milestones, including Somalia’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, effective January 2025.

“This is a historic achievement and provides Somalia with an opportunity to contribute to global peace and security,” said Souef.

He also noted Somalia’s full membership in the East African Community (EAC) in March 2024, emphasizing the country’s strategic position within the trading bloc, which boasts a market size of over 170 million people. Somalia’s coastline, the longest in Africa at over 3,000 kilometers, and its abundant natural resources position it as a critical player in regional economic development.

Ambassador Souef underscored the successful transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM, which became operational on January 1, 2025, as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024). He commended Somali Security Forces (SSF) for their readiness to assume full responsibility for the country’s security, citing the successful transfer of Forward Operating Bases as a significant milestone in 2024.

“This demonstrates that Somali Security Forces have gained the expertise to independently manage security operations, a key objective of the Somalia Transition Plan,” he said.

The Special Representative extended gratitude to international partners and ATMIS Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) for their unwavering support in empowering Somali forces through capacity-building initiatives.

In addition to security efforts, ATMIS implemented several quick-impact projects in 2024, including constructing boreholes, classrooms, and police stations, as well as rehabilitating health centers. These projects have significantly improved living conditions in liberated areas.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Souef reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s stabilization and post-conflict recovery efforts under AUSSOM. He emphasized that the mission will build on ATMIS’s achievements to ensure long-term peace and security in the country.

“As we move forward, the African Union will continue its engagements, guided by AU Peace and Security Council communiqués and UN Security Council resolutions,” he stated.