By Karim Were
KAMPALA— President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in Somalia, saying the country’s participation in the African Union mission is guided by principle and strategic interest rather than geographical proximity.
Speaking on Thursday while chairing the Second Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Troop-Contributing Countries to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Museveni said Uganda’s involvement in Somalia reflects its long-standing commitment to promoting regional peace and combating violent extremism.
The President noted that Uganda joined the mission out of solidarity with the people of Somalia and to counter extremist groups seeking to destabilise African societies.
“Our involvement in Somalia was never because we share a border, but out of principle and strategy. We rejected the extremism that seeks to impose itself on African societies and stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters,” Museveni said.
He emphasised that Africa has a rich history of respecting the identity and sovereignty of its people, expressing confidence that continued cooperation among troop-contributing countries would help Somalia achieve lasting peace and stability.
Museveni commended the countries contributing troops to AUSSOM for their dedication and sacrifice in supporting Somalia’s peace process, describing their efforts as vital to regional security and stability.
“I thank the Troop-Contributing Countries and their leaders for their commitment and sacrifice in the pursuit of a peaceful and stable Somalia,” he said.
The summit brought together Heads of State and Government from countries contributing troops to AUSSOM to assess the mission’s progress and strengthen regional cooperation in supporting Somalia’s security, peacebuilding and stabilisation efforts.
Uganda remains one of the leading contributors to the African Union peace support mission in Somalia, having played a key role in regional security operations aimed at restoring peace and strengthening state institutions in the Horn of Africa.
