BAIDOA, Somalia — South West State President Sheikh Aadan Mohamed Nur Madobe has hosted a farewell luncheon for Brigadier General Teklu Hurisa Janka, the outgoing commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)’s Sector 3, officials said.
The meeting, held at the South West State presidential palace in Baidoa, brought together senior South West State and Somali officials to mark the end of Janka’s tenure.
Madobe thanked the outgoing commander for his service and efforts to strengthen security, stability and cooperation between AUSSOM forces and South West State security institutions during his time in office.
The South West leader also welcomed Brigadier General Hashim Mohammed Chikula, the newly appointed commander of AUSSOM Sector 3, and wished him success in carrying out his responsibilities.
Madobe said continued cooperation between the African Union mission and South West State authorities would be important to security and stability efforts in the region.
The meeting also discussed strengthening security cooperation, maintaining peace and stability in South West State areas and supporting Somali security forces operating in the region.
AUSSOM, which replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025, is supporting Somali forces in operations against Al-Shabaab and in efforts to strengthen national security institutions.
The farewell event was attended by Federal Minister of Livestock Hassan Hussein Mohamed Eelay, South West State ministers for security and petroleum, the director-general of the presidential palace and other senior officials.
AUSSOM’s Sector 3 is based in Baidoa, a key security and political centre in South West State, where the African Union mission works alongside Somali forces to support security operations and stabilization efforts.
