Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received the new African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, in Mogadishu yesterday, where they discussed strengthening relations between the African Union and Somalia, and enhancing strategic cooperation between Somalia and the African Union.
Mohamoud Ali Youssef, a former foreign minister of Djibouti, was elected as the African Union Chairperson in early February, defeating Raila Odinga, former Kenyan Prime Minister and opposition leader. Somalia strongly supported Mahmoud Ali Youssef’s candidacy, which led to his visit to Somalia.
The meeting between the two leaders focused on regional security, economic development, reform of government institutions, and the fight against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group that is fighting in Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud commended the African Union’s long-standing support for Somalia, particularly in the areas of peacekeeping, state-building, and stabilization efforts. The African Union peacekeeping force has been operating in Somalia since March 2007, supporting the peace process in Somalia, with a contingent from nearly five African countries.
“The African Union has played a key role in Somalia’s development,” said President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “We deeply appreciate the courage and sacrifice of the African Union peacekeepers in our country, and we are committed to strengthening our partnership.” He added
The Somali president reiterated Somalia’s commitment to the eradication of terrorism and thanked regional partners for their continued support in counter-terrorism operations.
“Terrorism has no place to hide in Somalia,” the president said, speaking to the media. “They have been denied land and people, God willing, we will succeed in completely eradicating them, we will not tolerate their plots, plunder and massacres against our people,” he added.
The two leaders also agreed to increase economic cooperation and accelerate government reform to enhance stability and inclusive growth. President Mahmoud affirmed Somalia’s commitment to actively participate in the African Union’s reform agenda and to share lessons on the state-building process with other countries emerging from conflict in Africa.
President Yusuf, who was elected to lead the African Union in February 2025, is a veteran diplomat who previously served as Djibouti’s foreign minister. His appointment, which was supported by Somalia, is seen as a strategic move to improve the AU’s coordination in the Horn of Africa, particularly in matters related to the anti-Al-Shabaab operations and the reconstruction process among the member states of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The African Union Chairperson stated that Somalia is making progress in its fight against terrorism. He dismissed misinformation about insecurity, emphasizing that Mogadishu remains stable. He urged Somalis to support the president, acknowledging his efforts. African Union troops are expected to remain in Somalia for the next five years, as their mandate has been extended. Egypt has joined the mission following Burundi’s withdrawal.