Military leaders from across Africa are meeting in Kampala to discuss the future of peace efforts in Somalia. The meeting is part of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The event is being held at the Mestil Hotel from April 22 to 25. Top military officials from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and for the first time, Egypt, are attending. Egypt’s inclusion shows a change in how African countries are working together in Somalia.
Egypt joins AUSSOM for the first time
Egypt did not take part in past missions such as AMISOM or ATMIS. But now it is officially part of AUSSOM.
Many believe this move is linked to Egypt’s recent tensions with Ethiopia. The two countries clashed over a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Somaliland is a region in northern Somalia that claims independence. Somalia strongly opposed the deal.
Turkey later helped Somalia and Ethiopia start direct talks. That helped reduce tensions. Still, Egypt wants a stronger role in shaping the region’s future security.
Kampala meeting focuses on planning
This Kampala meeting is not just routine. It is a key step before the upcoming AUSSOM Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government. That summit will decide the mission’s next political and financial steps.
At the current meeting, leaders are reviewing how well Somalia is handling its own security. The previous mission, ATMIS, ended in December 2024. It was designed to slowly transfer power to Somalia’s own army.
Progress has been made, but there are still many gaps. Somalia’s army needs better training, better teamwork, and stronger control over more areas. These issues are slowing the transfer of full responsibility.
Military leaders say Somalia still needs outside support to build a strong and stable force.
Europe wants other nations to share the cost
Another key topic is funding. The European Union has paid for a large part of the mission over the years. But now, Europe is asking others to help more.
Officials in Brussels say countries like the United States, China, the Gulf states, and other African countries should also provide funds and resources.
The European Union believes peace in Somalia helps the whole world. That is why they want shared responsibility.
This shift in Europe’s position comes as global attention moves to other conflicts. But African leaders say Somalia still needs urgent support.
What happens next for AUSSOM
The Kampala meeting will help shape the future of AUSSOM. At the next summit, leaders will decide how long the mission will continue, who will fund it, and how Somalia’s own forces will be trained.
They will also talk about better coordination between countries and how to adjust the mission’s goals to fit Somalia’s current situation.
