Museveni: Africa will sustain Somalia peace mission despite shifting foreign support

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has declared that Africa will continue supporting peace and stability in Somalia regardless of changing international backing, insisting the continent has both the responsibility and the capacity to secure Somalia’s future.

Museveni made the remarks on Monday while hosting the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

Held under the theme, “To Sustain the Stabilisation Process in Somalia,” the three-day summit brought together regional leaders, senior officials from the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to assess Somalia’s security situation and chart the future of the continental peace mission.

Addressing the summit, Museveni defended Uganda’s long-standing military engagement in Somalia, saying the country’s intervention was driven by principle rather than geography.

“Uganda doesn’t have a border with Somalia. Therefore, we decided to involve ourselves in Somalia out of principle and strategy,” Museveni said.

He noted that Uganda joined the mission to prevent violent extremist groups from destabilising the region and imposing their ideology on African societies.

“We did not accept the extremist groups who come here and waste our time, saying they want to impose themselves on society,” he said.

Museveni also urged African countries to remain united in addressing security challenges, arguing that peace on the continent should not depend entirely on external partners.

“If those Western countries want to pull out, that is their decision. Somalia is not going to be abandoned because of some people outside. We have the capacity. Whether others pull out or not, we shall manage,” he said.

Drawing parallels with Uganda’s liberation struggle, the President recalled how neighbouring African countries supported Uganda during difficult times.

“When we got rid of Idi Amin, it was Tanzania and Mozambique that stood with us. Africans have always supported one another,” he said.

The summit followed meetings of Chiefs of Defence Forces on July 29 and Ministers of Defence on July 30, during which delegates reviewed Somalia’s political and security situation, the readiness of Somali Security Forces, force generation and integration, AUSSOM deployment, operational capabilities and air assets.

During a closed session, Heads of State considered reports from the military and defence ministers on progress made under AUSSOM and examined the evolving security landscape in Somalia.

In the summit communiqué, regional leaders praised troop-contributing countries for their continued sacrifice in combating terrorism and supporting Somalia’s stabilisation, while paying tribute to soldiers who lost their lives or were injured during the mission.

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of preserving Somalia’s territorial integrity, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting inclusive politics founded on national unity rather than identity.

Recognising persistent funding challenges, the summit directed Ministers of Foreign Affairs from troop-contributing countries, working alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Commission, to establish a joint diplomatic task force to mobilise predictable and sustainable financing for AUSSOM.

The task force will also spearhead efforts to organise a donors’ conference aimed at securing additional financial and political support for the mission during Somalia’s transition.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressed that the gains made in Somalia over the past years must not be reversed.

He called for sustained political commitment, closer coordination among member states and reliable financing, noting that lasting peace in Somalia is essential for the stability of the Horn of Africa and the wider continent.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud commended Museveni for convening the summit and praised Uganda’s enduring commitment to Somalia’s recovery.

“We appreciate your leadership and convening this second meeting of its kind. Your leadership is highly commended, and we seek your continued support, especially in mobilising the financial resources required for this mission,” Mohamud said.

He described Uganda as one of Somalia’s strongest allies, saying its contribution to restoring peace and rebuilding state institutions has been invaluable.

“Uganda has stood as one of Somalia’s strongest pillars. Its leadership and support are not taken for granted. You command our deepest appreciation,” he said.

The Kampala summit concluded with renewed commitment by African leaders to strengthen regional cooperation, reinforce Somali security institutions and secure sustainable financing for AUSSOM as Somalia continues its transition towards lasting peace, security and stability.