MOGADISHU – Somalia on Tuesday formally took its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the first time, marking a milestone many officials and analysts see as both symbolic and hard-earned.
For a country that has spent decades rebuilding after conflict, the move signals growing confidence in Mogadishu’s ability not just to stabilise at home, but to help shape peace efforts across Africa.
Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia and permanent representative to the African Union, Abdullahi Mohamed Warfa, called it a “defining moment”, saying the country would bring lessons from its own experience to the continental stage.
“We know the cost of conflict, but we also understand the long road to recovery,” he told Arlaadi Media Network, adding that Somalia would focus on reconciliation, rebuilding institutions and countering extremism in its contributions to the council’s work.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council is responsible for preventing and responding to conflicts across the continent, with member states elected on a rotating basis.
Somalia’s journey to this point has been long. Since the collapse of its central government in 1991, the country has faced years of instability. But gradual progress in rebuilding institutions and security forces, alongside efforts to push back militant groups such as Al-Shabaab, has begun to change perceptions.
For many observers, its seat on the council reflects that shift — and raises expectations that Somalia will use its experience to help others facing similar challenges.
In recent years, Somalia has also stepped up its diplomatic engagement and cooperation with regional partners, aiming to move from being seen mainly as a recipient of support to a contributor to regional stability.
