MOGADISHU — IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware has rejected accusations that he undermined Somalia’s government during a recent African Union security summit, saying his remarks were aimed at protecting the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and addressing the political and security challenges facing the country.
Ware issued the statement after criticism circulated online over his comments at the AUSSOM ministerial meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, where troop-contributing countries and Somali officials discussed the future of the mission. He said his intervention focused on honoring Somali and African troops who have sacrificed their lives during nearly two decades of international efforts to stabilize Somalia.
The IGAD official said the continued presence of Al-Shabaab, despite years of military operations, had raised concerns among troop-contributing countries, international partners and Somali citizens about the effectiveness and sustainability of the mission.
“The mission has taken too long,” Ware said, arguing that the security strategy must be reassessed to preserve gains made so far while avoiding a rushed withdrawal of foreign forces.
His comments came as AUSSOM faces growing financial uncertainty. The mission relies heavily on United Nations logistical support, including transport, fuel, medical services and other operational assistance. The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) provides support to AUSSOM under its current mandate, while international partners have warned of the need for broader and more predictable financing.
The United States has said it will end its support for UNSOS after 2026, raising concerns over the future sustainability of the AU mission, which supports Somali security forces in their fight against Al-Shabaab. Washington has argued that Somalia must make greater progress toward taking responsibility for its own security.
Ware said the summit’s discussions reflected a broader understanding that military operations alone would not resolve Somalia’s security crisis. He argued that defeating Al-Shabaab would require political reconciliation, stronger state institutions, economic development and efforts to address grievances exploited by militant groups.
“Security without political legitimacy cannot endure; political progress without security is impossible,” Ware said in remarks presented during the summit.
The Kampala meeting called for a coordinated transition that strengthens Somali security institutions while maintaining international support during the handover period. The summit also urged efforts to secure sustainable financing for AUSSOM and improve military capabilities, including intelligence and operational support.
Ware said the ultimate goal should be a successful transition in which Somali forces assume full responsibility for national security and AUSSOM troops return home after completing their mission.
He added that he would not disclose discussions held during closed sessions of the summit, saying confidential meetings should remain private.
