ADDIS ABABA — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has concluded a series of high-level engagements at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, where Somalia formally acceded to a continental governance review mechanism and secured backing for its sovereignty.
High-Stakes Diplomacy
On the sidelines of the summit, President Hassan Sheikh conducted separate discussions with key regional leaders, including Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Kenyan President William Ruto, and notably, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The gatherings focused on matters of common concern, encompassing regional collaboration, stability, and security.
The meeting with Prime Minister Abiy marks a significant diplomatic engagement given the recent tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa regarding the Somaliland MoU.
Somalia Joins APRM
In a move to enhance institutional transparency, the Federal Republic of Somalia became a formal member of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).
Established at the 35th APRM Forum, this voluntary accession allows the government to evaluate its policies and administrative frameworks against continental standards. President Hassan Sheikh signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling a dedication to state reform and the vision of Agenda 2063.
Keynote Address: Sovereignty and Elections
During his keynote address to the Assembly, the President affirmed Mogadishu’s dedication to further continental integration. He expressed appreciation to member states for supporting Somalia’s selection to the AU Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 period.
Highlighting domestic progress, the President referenced the implementation of one-person, one-vote electoral processes in the Banadir region as a significant achievement in the nation’s democratization efforts.
Addressing external threats, President Mohamud voiced strong apprehension regarding measures by Israel that compromise Somalia’s sovereignty.
“The continent’s unified power depends on protecting sovereignty,” he stated, acknowledging African nations for issuing a collective declaration opposing such interference.
