Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti on Sunday as part of his regional tour of countries contributing troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Upon landing, President Mohamud and his delegation were greeted by Djibouti’s Prime Minister, Abdikadir Kamil Mohamed, along with other senior officials at the airport.
During his stay, President Mohamud is scheduled to meet with Djibouti’s President, Ismael Omar Guelleh, to discuss deepening bilateral ties and addressing key issues such as security and economic cooperation. Particular focus will be given to the ATMIS mission, which is critical to maintaining stability in Somalia.
This visit to Djibouti follows similar stops in Bujumbura, Burundi, and Kampala, Uganda, where President Mohamud held discussions with regional leaders on strengthening security coordination and advancing economic collaboration. These meetings form part of a larger strategy aimed at ensuring a smooth transition as Somalia prepares to assume full control of its security responsibilities from ATMIS.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia is scheduled to end by December 2024. Its successor, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), will launch in 2025. AUSSOM will consist of a reduced force of approximately 11,000 troops, who will focus on securing key urban areas and critical infrastructure, while Somali national forces lead efforts to maintain security across the country.