The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called for a well-coordinated and orderly transition of security responsibilities in Somalia as African Union peacekeepers prepare to hand over operations to the country’s national security forces.
In a statement issued following the Extraordinary Summit for AUSSOM Troop-Contributing Countries, IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware said the transition should reflect Africa’s commitment to regional peace, stability and self-reliance while safeguarding the gains achieved over nearly two decades of peace support operations.
Ware said the ultimate objective is to enable Somalia’s indigenous security forces to take full responsibility for the country’s security, while ensuring that peacekeepers conclude their mission with dignity and recognition for their service.
“The goal is to transition security of Somalia to its indigenous forces in the shortest possible time, and send the men and women of the AUSSOM Mission back to their home countries as the heroes they are, departing Somalia basking in glory and enjoying the undying gratitude of the Somali people,” he said.
The IGAD official also dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that concerns raised during the summit were intended to undermine the Federal Government of Somalia.
“I have no clue how such sentiments would offend anyone, let alone the government we are all trying to help avoid a precipitous, premature, and disorderly exit of peacekeepers,” Ware stated.
He stressed that the transition must be guided by close coordination between troop-contributing countries, the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners to ensure that security gains made over the years are not reversed.
Ware further noted that defeating the militant group Al-Shabaab requires more than military operations, emphasizing the need to address the social, political and economic conditions that fuel extremism.
“The fight against Al-Shabaab is not a military-only mission. To get the Somali population on our side, we must counter Al-Shabaab narratives and improve lives by addressing underlying economic, social and political challenges,” he said.
He added that strengthening public institutions, promoting political reconciliation and expanding community engagement will be critical to achieving lasting peace in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
IGAD maintained that the planned transition represents an African-led effort to build sustainable peace and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia as it assumes full responsibility for its national security.
