Somali Army and AUSSOM Strengthen Security Cooperation in Mogadishu

The commander of the land forces of the Somali National Army (SNA) held talks in Mogadishu on April 10, 2026, with officials from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and allied countries. The meetings focused on strengthening security cooperation and accelerating joint operations against militant groups.

During the discussions, the land forces chief, Omar, thanked partner countries for their contributions toward rebuilding and strengthening the Somali army. Omar emphasized that sustained cooperation is necessary to achieve lasting security in the region.

Security Transition and Handover Talks

In a parallel meeting on April 10, 2026, Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Ma’allin Fiqi met with the African Union’s Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, in Mogadishu. The primary objective of this meeting was to strengthen cooperation regarding the handover of security responsibilities from African Union forces to Somali troops.

These discussions are part of a gradual transition process in which the SNA will assume security duties previously held by AUSSOM. According to officials, the talks centered on the coordination of operations, the allocation of resources and the implementation of strategies to ensure Somali forces can maintain security in key areas following the drawdown of AU forces.

The Somali government is pushing to accelerate progress toward self-reliance in defense. Officials stated that the success of this transition is critical to the stability of Somalia, noting that a failure to execute the handover effectively could provide space for al Shabaab militants to regroup.

AUSSOM’s ongoing support is considered vital for bridging gaps in logistics, equipment, and training as the SNA scales up its operations.

International and Regional Cooperation

The push for enhanced security coordination extends to partnerships with the United States. The Somali Army Chief recently met with the U.S. AFRICOM Special Operations Commander to discuss ways to boost security cooperation.

On a regional level, coordination between AUSSOM and the SNA continues in specific operational zones. On February 7, 2026, AUSSOM troops hosted the District Commissioner of Ceeljaale, Mr. Moxamad Muxamuud, at the Ceeljaale Forward Operating Base in the Lower Shabelle region.

Colonel Robert Koch, the AUSSOM Uganda Battle Group 43 Commander, and Mr. Muxamuud discussed methods to strengthen security cooperation between AUSSOM, the SNA, and regional forces to liberate villages and key areas. Both officials emphasized the use of intelligence sharing and joint patrols to disrupt terrorist activities and prevent attacks.

We have not registered any major security incidents in the general areas of Marka District due to the strong coordination with the Somali National Army

Colonel Robert Koch

Colonel Koch noted that collaboration with the Somali National Army, local communities, local authorities, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has improved security in the region. He further pledged continued coordination with the KM50 District Commissioner to maintain stability.

Somali leaders have indicated that a smooth security transition is essential not only for national stability but also for economic recovery and increasing regional confidence in the country’s state-building process.