Kampala – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called on regional military leaders to demonstrate unity, creativity and steadfast resolve to safeguard the future of peacekeeping operations in Somalia as the mission transitions toward sustainable, African-led logistical frameworks.
Speaking at the opening of the Extraordinary Meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) from Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Gen Kainerugaba urged military commanders to adapt to tightening financial constraints.
“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity and resolve,” Gen Kainerugaba said. “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.”
The call to bolster the mission comes as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) prepares to wind up operations by December 31, 2026, presenting an opportunity for troop-contributing countries to accelerate efforts toward autonomous logistical arrangements.
The Ugandan CDF noted that funding reductions are already being felt on the front lines, prompting forces to reorganize their operational priorities. He also pointed to shifting international diplomatic dynamics, including indications that the United States would not support the renewal of the AUSSOM mandate under the current UN support framework.
Against this backdrop, Gen Kainerugaba emphasized the need for troop-contributing countries to fast-track African-led alternative arrangements that would sustain the mission beyond December 2026. He stressed that the responsibility now rests squarely with African nations to preserve the gains made in Somalia.
The military chiefs’ technical deliberations in Kampala mark the first step in a three-day strategic process. Their recommendations will feed into a comprehensive CDF report to be presented to Defence Ministers on July 30, before informing deliberations by regional Heads of State at the 15th Extraordinary Summit on July 31.
“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,” Gen Kainerugaba said. “It is therefore important that we approach these discussions with frankness, openness and a shared sense of purpose.”
In a security update, Brig Gen Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, expressed appreciation for the significant role African peace support missions have played in stabilizing Somalia.
The troop-contributing countries to AUSSOM — Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt and Kenya – alongside host nation Somalia, are represented at the three-day summit, which concludes on July 31.
Echoing Gen Kainerugaba’s remarks, Brig Gen Cheick Dembele, Head of the African Union’s Peace Support Operations Division, said sustained African solidarity remains essential to supporting Somalia’s journey toward lasting peace and stability.
He added that the African Union remains committed to the mission despite ongoing challenges and emphasized that strengthening Somalia’s security institutions will require continued collective support.