National Security Advisor Hosts AU Delegation to Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Coordination

MOGADISHU — The National Security Advisor concluded meetings in Mogadishu on Tuesday between Somali federal institutions and the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre, wrapping up two days of consultations focused on strengthening security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts.

The African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre thanked the Federal Government of Somalia, particularly the National Security Office, for the reception and facilitation of the meetings it held with various government institutions.

The delegation also praised the progress the Federal Government of Somalia has made in the field of counter-terrorism.

The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, with both sides exchanging views and experiences related to addressing security threats in the region.

The African Union side emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the continental body, particularly on issues related to preventing and combating terrorism.

The National Security Office held the meetings with various government institutions with the aim of strengthening coordination between Somali and African Union efforts on security.

The African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre delegation said in conclusion that continued cooperation and collaboration are essential for advancing efforts to prevent terrorism and security threats in the region.

Background: The AU Counter-Terrorism Centre in Somalia

The visit is part of the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre’s first national counter-terrorism assessment mission in Somalia, a significant step in continental efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security capabilities. The assessment mission aims to evaluate Somalia’s existing defence infrastructure, review operational achievements of national institutions, and identify critical areas requiring technical support and capacity building.

During separate meetings with Somalia’s Ministry of Defence, State Minister for Defence Omar Ali Abdi stressed that African Union support must directly reinforce Somalia’s strategic goals for security and stabilization. The discussions covered counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, and strategies to disrupt illicit financial networks.

The AUCTC delegation was led by Idriss Mounir Lallali, Acting Director of the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre. The AUCTC is mandated to assist member states in building counter-terrorism capacity, developing comprehensive strategies, and coordinating continental efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.

The visit also comes as Somalia’s military leadership and the African Union mission have agreed to expedite the implementation of the Security Transition Plan and intensify joint military operations against militant groups across the country.

Critical Note

The conclusion of the AU Counter-Terrorism Centre’s assessment mission reflects the growing institutional cooperation between Somalia and the African Union on security matters. The AU’s recognition of Somalia’s progress in counter-terrorism is a positive signal, though it comes as the country prepares to assume greater responsibility for its own security amid the AUSSOM transition.

The effectiveness of these engagements will depend on whether the assessments and recommendations translate into concrete support for Somali security institutions. Somalia has demonstrated commitment to fighting Al-Shabaab and ISIS, but its forces continue to face significant capacity constraints in intelligence, logistics, and equipment. The AUCTC’s assessment provides a framework for identifying gaps, but filling them will require sustained investment from both the African Union and Somalia’s international partners.

The timing of this engagement is also notable. As AUSSOM’s future remains uncertain due to funding shortfalls, the African Union’s engagement with Somalia on counter-terrorism takes on added significance. If the AU can help Somalia build self-sustaining counter-terrorism capabilities, the eventual drawdown of AU forces will be less destabilizing. If it cannot, the security vacuum left behind could be exploited by militant groups.