Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has urged African troop-contributing countries to accelerate efforts towards establishing a self-reliant peace support mission in Somalia, warning that declining international funding requires the continent to assume greater responsibility for sustaining security gains.
Gen. Kainerugaba made the remarks during the opening of the Extraordinary Meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces from countries contributing troops to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
He said changing financial and diplomatic circumstances require stronger African ownership of the mission and urgent measures to secure its long-term sustainability.
The CDF noted that the planned end of operations by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) on December 31, 2026, means African countries must prepare alternative logistical and operational support mechanisms to ensure the mission remains effective.
“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity and resolve. The future of our mission, and the sacrifice and progress we have all made together in Somalia, depend on the quality of the decisions we make at moments like this,” Gen. Kainerugaba said.
He revealed that reductions in funding are already affecting operations on the ground, forcing commanders to adjust priorities while responding to changing international positions regarding future support for the mission.
Gen. Kainerugaba said African countries have a responsibility to protect the security gains achieved in Somalia over the years through collective commitment and strategic planning.
“As Chiefs of Defence Forces, we are responsible for providing clear military guidance and strategic direction at a time when the mission environment is changing. It is therefore important that we approach these discussions with frankness, openness and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.
The Kampala meeting has brought together military chiefs from Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya, alongside representatives from host country Somalia, to discuss the future direction of AUSSOM as it transitions towards greater African-led logistical and operational support.
The resolutions from the meeting will be presented to Defence Ministers before being forwarded to Heads of State during the 15th Extraordinary Summit scheduled for July 31.
Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, commended African peacekeeping forces for their continued contribution to Somalia’s stability.
The African Union’s Head of Peace Support Operations Division, Brig. Gen. Cheick Dembele, called for continued continental solidarity to strengthen Somalia’s security institutions and promote lasting peace.
The meeting comes as African Union member states seek sustainable solutions to maintain security operations in Somalia amid evolving international support arrangements and financial constraints.
