MFA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation

Script of the speech delivered by H.E. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the meeting of Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) held in Kampala, Uganda.

Excellencies,
Distinguished Colleagues,
On behalf of the Somali delegation and the Federal Government of Somalia, I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Government of Uganda for hosting this pivotal summit, and to all Troop-Contributing Countries for your unwavering dedication to peace, security, and stability in Somalia.

We convene at a decisive moment as we collectively manage the transition from ATMIS to its successor mission, AUSSOM. The decisions we take here will be instrumental in ensuring the effective implementation of AUSSOM and safeguarding the future of regional security and the durability of our joint efforts.

Allow me to acknowledge once again, with deep appreciation, the sacrifices made by your governments and the brave personnel serving in Somalia. The progress achieved since our last meeting in Kampala stands as a testament to the strength of African solidarity—Somalia remains grateful for this enduring partnership.

Excellencies,
Somalia reaffirms its full support for AUSSOM as a technical, security-centered mission. In this context, we believe that effective oversight is essential—not through a political structure, but through an accountability and oversight body dedicated to guiding the implementation of AUSSOM’s mandate, as outlined in the CONOPS. Somalia, having benefited from years of state-building support, has established capable institutions to manage its political affairs in accordance with its constitutional framework. Therefore, any oversight mechanism must respect Somalia’s sovereignty and avoid encroaching upon national political domains.

We propose the establishment of a time-bound, peer-review of oversight body—focused solely on enhancing operational coordination, improving implementation mechanisms, and ensuring alignment with the agreed objectives of AUSSOM. This approach will foster constructive technical collaboration while preserving the sovereign rights of Somalia and reinforcing accountability within the mission’s operational scope. We have a proposed concept note that we will share with you.

As technical experts, it is our shared responsibility to develop practical, consensus-driven recommendations that provide clarity and unity for our Heads of State and Government.

Excellencies,
Somalia remains steadfast in its commitment to regional peace, security, and African solidarity. At this critical juncture, clarity, coordination, and unity are paramount. Any gaps may inadvertently create opportunities for those who seek to destabilize Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

Let us, therefore, approach this dialogue with honesty, unity of purpose, and a collective determination to ensure the success of AUSSOM. Its success is not only vital for Somalia but for the African Union and the enduring principle of “African solutions to African problems.”

Somalia stands ready to engage constructively with all partners in advancing a Somali-led, sovereign transition. May this summit mark a renewed commitment to partnership, operational excellence, and our shared vision for peace and stability.

Let me give the floor to our expert for deliberation of Force Generation, Integration and mentorship, preparedness, security responsibility take over, status of FOBs and AUSSOM exit plan.
I thank you.