On Monday, 16 March 2026, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (SRCC) and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), H.E. Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, accompanied by the Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, visited AUSSOM Sector II Headquarters in Kismayo.
The delegation included AUSSOM Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, Police Commissioner AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu, and other senior officers. They were received by the AUSSOM Sector II Commander, Brig Edward Banda, before inspecting a quarter guard mounted in their honour. The visit aimed to assess progress in the implementation of the mission’s mandate while boosting the morale of troops deployed in the sector.
During a security briefing, the delegation was updated on the prevailing security situation within the Area of Responsibility, which has improved significantly following sustained intelligence-led operations.
The SRCC commended the efforts of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU), and UNSOS personnel serving in the sector. He particularly praised the Kenyan contingent for its stabilization efforts through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities that have supported local communities during the ongoing drought.
“Our resolve is clear; let us operate within the mandate lines of impartiality and professionalism,” he said, urging troops to maintain empathy and dignity in their engagement with local communities.
Ms. Sadozai echoed his sentiments, thanking Sector II forces for their dedication and sacrifice in the mission. She emphasized that the relationship between UNSOS and its operational partners, including KDF and SLFPU, remains symbiotic and requires continued cooperation.
“UNSOS remains committed to supporting AUSSOM operations through the provision of resources and logistical support. I encourage the leadership to continue sharing feedback and identifying areas that require additional attention to improve the overall effectiveness of the mission,” she said.
Force Commander Lt Gen Kavuma also acknowledged the Kenyan contingent for its leadership within Sector II and the strong cohesion among troop-contributing countries in the region. He further commended UNSOS for its consistent logistical and welfare support, noting that it plays a key role in maintaining troop morale in the operational area.
Brig Banda expressed appreciation to the SRCC and UNSOS leadership for ensuring the seamless provision of critical resources necessary for daily operations. Despite the security challenges in the region, he affirmed that AUSSOM forces, alongside KDF, remain committed to fulfilling the four pillars of the mission’s mandate.
“We remain focused on building the capacity of Jubaland security forces within our sector through various joint training programmes. With the time remaining in our tour of duty, we are confident of facilitating an orderly transition of security responsibilities to Somali Security Forces,” he said.
The joint visit demonstrates a unified commitment among AUSSOM stakeholders toward long-term efforts to stabilize the region and Somalia at large.
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