Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi have thrown their weight behind the African Union’s new peacekeeping mission in Somalia, emphasizing its critical role in stabilizing the country and safeguarding its sovereignty.
The two leaders also pledged to bolster regional cooperation on agriculture and conflict resolution during a phone call on Friday.
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In a conversation that underscored the importance of African solidarity, Presidents Museveni and El-Sisi highlighted the upcoming deployment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Approved by the UN Security Council in late December, the mission will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) later this month.
“The AUSSOM represents a fresh chapter for Somalia’s peace and stability. Uganda and Egypt stand firmly with the Somali people as they strive for sovereignty and unity,” said President Museveni.
Echoing this sentiment, President El-Sisi praised the AU’s efforts in Somalia and noted Egypt’s broader commitment to regional stability. “We must safeguard Somalia’s independence and territorial integrity while supporting their aspirations for peace,” El-Sisi stated.
The leaders also discussed the ongoing Sudanese conflict, with El-Sisi reaffirming Egypt’s role in mediating the crisis. He stressed the importance of achieving a ceasefire and ensuring the swift delivery of humanitarian aid. “Protecting Sudanese civilians from war is not just a duty—it’s a moral imperative,” El-Sisi said.
On the upcoming African Union Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, scheduled for January 9–11, the presidents discussed strategies to enhance Africa’s agricultural sector. El-Sisi called for robust policies to empower small-scale farmers, women, and youth.
“Africa’s future lies in agriculture,” El-Sisi remarked. “We need policies that create opportunities for those at the heart of this sector—our farmers, our women, and our young people.”
The summit, which will focus on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), is expected to set the stage for transformative discussions on food security and economic development across the continent.
The phone call underscored the mutual commitment of Uganda and Egypt to work towards a stronger, more unified Africa, driven by peace, stability, and sustainable growth.
