ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni on Friday called for increased African solidarity and financial support for Somalia, emphasizing its importance for regional stability.1
Museveni made the remarks while chairing an Extraordinary Summit of Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at State House in Entebbe.
The summit brought together African leaders and representatives to discuss Somalia’s security, the transition of the African Union peace mission, and regional efforts to combat terrorism.
“We need to assist Somalia to get out of these problems. As you have heard, more money is needed to sustain the stabilization mission,” Museveni said, urging greater support for Somalia’s peacebuilding.
He invoked the spirit of Pan-African solidarity, recalling how Tanzania and Mozambique supported Uganda during its fight against Idi Amin. He also outlined Uganda’s post-conflict recovery, emphasizing principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.
Museveni cautioned against sectarianism and clan divisions, saying they hinder progress.2 He argued that Uganda’s stability, achieved after years of conflict, could serve as a model for Somalia.
He criticized the underfunding of the Somali National Army and the African Union mission, saying it prolonged instability. “Al-Shabaab is a weak force. If they had a healthy cause and support, they would have overrun Somalia by now,” he said.
He proposed a volunteer-based national army for Somalia, drawing on Uganda’s liberation struggle.3 He said victory comes from ideological clarity and commitment, not just funding.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud thanked Museveni and troop-contributing countries for their support, acknowledging their role in combating Al-Shabaab. He said progress was made but more was needed.
“Together, we have accomplished great successes in the fight against Al-Shabaab,” Mohamud said. He highlighted progress in political dialogue and electoral processes.
He called for renewed regional and international commitment to build Somalia’s security forces and ensure sustained funding.4
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf thanked Museveni and praised troop-contributing countries.5 He acknowledged progress against Al-Shabaab but warned of persistent threats.
Youssouf called on Somalia to expedite the development of its security forces and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting the nation.6
The summit was attended by leaders and representatives from Djibouti, Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
