ARTA, Djibouti — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Thursday joined Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other regional leaders to mark the 25th anniversary of the Arta Peace Conference, which laid the foundation for Somalia’s post-war reconciliation.
In his remarks, Youssouf hailed the commemoration as “a vital tribute to the memory of a nation,” saying it honored not only the achievements of the peace process but also “the sacrifices, courage and collective wisdom” that made progress possible.
“The Arta Conference marked the rebirth of dialogue after years of fragmentation and despair,” the AU chief said. “Remembering Arta allows Somalis — and indeed all Africans — to draw lessons on the power of national ownership, community dialogue and inclusive politics in rebuilding nations.”
The 2000 Arta Peace Conference, hosted by Djibouti, led to the establishment of Somalia’s first transitional government after nearly a decade of civil war, setting the stage for renewed state-building and regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
