By Ayan A. Diiriye
ADDIS ABABA — As the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly concludes in the Ethiopian capital, the atmosphere in the corridors of the AU headquarters reflects a profound shift in the continental power dynamic. For decades, Somalia was often the subject of AU deliberations—a nation discussed in the context of “crises” and “interventions.” This year, however, the Somali delegation, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has transformed Mogadishu from a passive recipient of continental policy into a proactive architect of regional security.
The summit, held from February 14–15, 2026, marks a watershed moment for Somali diplomacy. The headline achievement is undoubtedly Somalia’s historic election to the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the 2026–2028 term. This seat is more than a bureaucratic win; it is a symbol of a nation that has successfully transitioned from state-building to state-assertion. By securing this position, Somalia now holds a direct vote on the very body that authorizes peace support missions and manages continental conflicts, ensuring that Mogadishu’s voice is central to the “African solutions” it once only observed.
Sovereignty as a Red Line
Throughout the summit, President Mohamud’s agenda remained laser-focused on a “sovereignty-first” foreign policy. This stance was bolstered by a significant diplomatic victory: the unified rejection by African leaders of external attempts to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. Specifically, the AU Assembly took a firm stance against recent international moves that threatened to legitimize breakaway regions, reaffirming that the sanctity of African borders—a founding principle of the AU—is non-negotiable.
“Africa’s unity on this issue reinforces the continent’s commitment to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference,” President Mohamud noted during his address to the heads of state. For Somalia, this collective endorsement serves as a vital shield against the controversial maritime and recognition disputes that have recently simmered in the Horn of Africa.
Transitioning Security
The summit also provided a critical platform to finalize the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). From the Somali perspective, this new mission must reflect the country’s growing internal capacity. The Somali government has been clear: the new force must be leaner, more targeted, and strictly supportive of the Somali National Army’s lead role in securing the country.
Discussions on the sidelines, including bilateral meetings with the AU Commission Chairperson, underscored the need for a “conditions-based” withdrawal of remaining foreign troops. Somalia is no longer asking for indefinite protection; it is demanding a strategic partnership that respects its primary responsibility for its own national security.
A New Chapter
Beyond security, Somalia used the summit to showcase its broader integration into global governance. With Somalia currently holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council as of January 2026, the delegation at the AU has been working to synchronize continental priorities with the global agenda. Whether discussing the summit’s official theme of water governance or advocating for climate resilience, Somalia is positioning itself as a regional anchor.
As the delegates depart Addis Ababa, the message from the Somali mission is clear: the “Somalia of old” is gone. In its place stands a state that is reclaiming its rightful seat at the table, ready to lead not just in the Horn of Africa, but across the entire continent.
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