AUSSOM troop contributors warn Somalia’s political disputes could hinder security transition

Saturday August 8, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Political disputes between Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups could complicate the country’s security transition as uncertainty surrounds the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The troop- and police-contributing countries to AUSSOM raised the issue during an emergency summit in Kampala last week, urging Somalia’s government to promote an inclusive political dialogue aimed at reducing tensions between the federal government and other political actors.

The countries said a more stable political environment would help create the conditions needed for a gradual transfer of security responsibilities from AUSSOM to Somali security forces.

They also called for the political dimension to be considered in planning for the future of the African Union mission, arguing that political stability is closely linked to the success of Somalia’s security transition.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, however, has opposed incorporating Somalia’s internal political disputes into discussions about AUSSOM’s security mandate.

The president has argued that political disagreements are matters for Somalis to resolve themselves and that the Kampala summit should focus primarily on security and the future of the African Union mission.

The debate comes as Somalia prepares for a greater role in managing its own security while AUSSOM faces financial and logistical challenges.

Hassan Sheikh met at the Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Sam Okiding, who was in Mogadishu to attend a meeting of military commanders from countries contributing troops to Somalia.

The meeting focused on strengthening security cooperation, accelerating operations against al-Shabab and improving coordination between Somalia and countries supporting its security and stability.

Hassan Sheikh thanked Uganda’s government and people for their longstanding role in supporting the development of Somalia’s security institutions and efforts to restore peace.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between Somalia and Uganda.

Okiding is among senior military officials attending the Mogadishu meeting, where commanders are expected to discuss military cooperation and ways to accelerate operations against al-Shabab.

The political dispute comes at a critical point for AUSSOM. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) is scheduled to end its current support to the mission at the end of December 2026, raising concerns among troop-contributing countries about funding, logistics and the ability of Somali forces to assume greater responsibility.

The AUSSOM troop-contributing countries have previously called for continued international support for the mission for 18 to 24 months to prevent a security vacuum and give Somali forces more time to build their capacity.