Tuesday August 5, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – The newly appointed Special Representative
of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of the
African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador
El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, met with Jubbaland regional leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam
in Kismayo on Monday as part of his familiarization tour of AUSSOM operations
in Jubbaland State.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the overall
security situation in Jubbaland and Somalia, as well as ongoing
counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Ambassador Diene praised Jubbaland's efforts in liberating
territories from Al-Shabaab and stabilizing recently recovered areas. He noted
that the Jubbaland forces have demonstrated strong capabilities,
professionalism, and tangible results — key contributions to Somalia’s broader
peace and security agenda.
The SRCC also held a briefing with Kenyan troops serving
under AUSSOM to assess the current security and political dynamics in
Jubbaland. He later met with UN officials and international partners to discuss
coordinated efforts in the region.
Ambassador Diene was received in Kismayo by Kenyan
Contingent Commander Brig. Gen. Edward Banda and other senior Kenya Defence
Forces (KDF) officers. He commended the troops for their dedication and
reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s path toward lasting
peace and stability.
The visit marked Ambassador Diene's first trip to Kismayo
since officially assuming office in Mogadishu on 28 July 2025.
He was accompanied by AUSSOM Military Chief of Staff Brig.
Gen. Kindu Gezu, Military Force Engineer Col. Sulieman Ibrahim, and other
senior officials.