The president connected this council position to his government’s ongoing efforts to enhance ties with African Union nations and to reestablish Somalia’s involvement in regional matters following prolonged instability and restricted engagement.
Following Somalia’s acquisition of a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke to the country, stating that this achievement demonstrates Somalia’s endeavors to reconstruct its diplomatic standing across Africa and the global community.
During his national speech, the president emphasized the implications of this council membership for Somalia’s foreign policy trajectory and its interactions with continental organizations, rather than focusing on the election procedure.
President Hassan indicated that this result signifies Somalia’s renewed involvement in decision-making bodies that influence peace and security conversations throughout Africa.
He associated the council position with his government’s continuous initiatives to build stronger relationships with African Union member countries and to reintegrate Somalia into regional activities after extended periods of instability and minimal engagement.
“This triumph highlights the substantial advancement of Somalia’s diplomatic efforts and our nation’s return to an influential leadership role across the African continent and in the international arena,” stated Hassan Sheikh.
In his comments, the president characterized the council membership as part of a broader strategy to realign Somalia within multilateral institutions. He explained that the confidence demonstrated by African Union member countries reflects trust in Somalia’s foreign policy approach and its readiness to collaborate with other governments on matters impacting the continent.
“The confidence and backing Somalia has garnered from African Union member nations serves as proof of the positive transformations occurring in the nation and the development of collaborative partnerships,” he stated. “We are already participants in the United Nations Security Council, and now we will be members of the African Peace and Security Council.”
President Hassan highlighted coordination among governmental entities as a crucial element in the diplomatic initiative. He mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spearheaded the campaign for the position and collaborated with other state departments to advocate for Somalia’s position during discussions with African governments.
According to the president, this cooperation demonstrates a method that unites various branches of government in achieving foreign policy objectives.
During the speech, the president conveyed gratitude to the African Union member states that endorsed Somalia’s candidacy. He noted that their vote demonstrates solidarity and a collective commitment to advancing peace, stability, and development throughout Africa.
He further stated that Somalia plans to utilize its position on the council to support coordinated responses to conflicts and security difficulties.
The Peace and Security Council functions as the African Union’s primary mechanism for addressing and resolving conflicts across the continent. It comprises 15 member nations selected through a rotational system that allocates seats among Africa’s five regions.
The council supervises peace support operations, facilitates discussions between nations experiencing conflicts, and has the authority to propose sanctions and other measures designed to preserve stability.
Through joining the council, Somalia will participate in deliberations that address crises in various regions of Africa and assist in shaping policy decisions concerning security cooperation.
President Hassan indicated that Somalia’s firsthand experience in reconstructing institutions and addressing armed insurgencies will guide its contributions within the council. He observed that the nation has undergone an extensive process of rebuilding and reform, and that these lessons can be shared in conversations about conflict prevention, reconciliation, and counterterrorism collaboration.
He suggested that Somalia will concentrate on supporting reconciliation initiatives, enhancing cooperation against extremist organizations, and aiding post-conflict rehabilitation endeavors in other member nations.
The president also referenced Somalia’s current role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, clarifying that occupying positions on both the United Nations body and the African Union Peace and Security Council offers the country platforms at both continental and international levels.
He explained that this dual membership allows Somalia to participate in dialogues that shape security policies impacting Africa and the broader international community.
