AU clears peacekeepers to join Somalia fight against Southwest Darwish forces

On Aug 29, 2026

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The African Union Commission has authorized its peacekeeping mission in Somalia to join federal government forces in combat operations against Darwish militia loyal to an ousted Southwest regional president, marking the first time the continental force has been cleared to take a side in a local Somali political dispute.

The authorization came in a letter dated August 21 from African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, instructing the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to fight alongside federal troops against forces commanded by Abdiasis Laftagaren, the ousted president of Somalia’s Southwest regional state, whose Darwish forces have clashed with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

“The reported developments demonstrate growing alliance between local armed militias and the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, culminating in coordinated offensives against Somali military formations within and around Baidoa city. The Commission recognizes the imperative to urgently deliver critical support to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to restore stability to the region,” Youssouf wrote.

Youssouf is from Djibouti, whose president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, is a close ally and supporter of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

“In line with its mandate to combat terrorism and reinforce the protection of civilians as well as safeguard key government institutions, AUSSOM is hereby authorized by the Chairperson of the Commission to join the FGS in military operations against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and its affiliate militias/armed entities in the Southwest State of Somalia,” the letter states.

Baidoa attack and unproven Al-Shabaab claims

The authorization follows an attack this week in which Laftagaren’s forces briefly seized parts of Baidoa before being pushed back by federal troops. The Somali federal government has accused the Darwish forces of maintaining ties to Al-Shabaab and of coordinating with the militant group in the assault. The government has not provided evidence to support the claim of Al-Shabaab involvement.

A break from foreign-forces withdrawal messaging

The expanded AUSSOM mandate comes weeks after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared that Somalia is capable of taking over full responsibility for its own security and called on foreign forces to leave the country, saying they would be given a farewell and sent back home with flowers.

Credit: Source link