KAMPALA, Uganda — A summit attended by ministers from countries contributing to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) wrapped up in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, after several days of discussions.
The meeting, which began earlier this year in Somalia, addressed critical issues related to the AUSSOM mission and the overall security situation in Somalia, including the recent surge in Al-Shabaab attacks in the Middle Shabelle region.
Ugandan Defence Minister Jacob Markson, speaking at the event, proposed that the countries contributing troops to the AUSSOM mission establish a collaborative review process led by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
This, he said, would allow for better oversight, coordination, accountability, monitoring, and evaluation of the implementation of AUSSOM’s objectives.
Markson also urged Somali government leaders, regional state officials, opposition groups, and traditional elders to engage in dialogue to resolve the political tensions within the country. He emphasized that such efforts were crucial for uniting against the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.
The summit comes amid a marked escalation in Al-Shabaab’s attacks on Somali National Army bases. Recently, the militant group has taken control of several areas in the Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions.
