IGAD boss Dr Workneh calls for urgent support to stabilise Somalia at the Entebbe Summit

Extra-Ordinary Summit of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at State House, Entebbe, Uganda

By Amina Wako
Friday, April 25, 2025

The summit brought together key leaders from AUSSOM troop-contributing countries, ministers of foreign affairs and defence, as well as representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, has made an urgent call for increased support for Somalia's peacekeeping mission, warning that the region is facing its most serious security challenge in decades.

Speaking at the Extra-Ordinary Summit of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), held at State House in Entebbe, Uganda, Dr Workneh thanked Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for hosting the high-level gathering and praised the efforts of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in pushing forward political and security reforms in the face of persistent threats.

More To Read

“We gather in Entebbe at a time when our regional security faces its hardest test in decades,” Dr Workneh said. “Al Shabaab’s offensive throughout these early months of 2025 has undermined much of what we accomplished together. But our brave troops remain resolute.”

The summit brought together key leaders from AUSSOM troop-contributing countries, ministers of foreign affairs and defence, as well as representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

Dr Workneh painted a grim picture of the current situation on the ground in Somalia, noting that AUSSOM inherited a difficult mandate from ATMIS under UN Resolution 2767, along with a massive funding shortfall of $96 million.

“When only 75% of our budget is secured through UN contributions, commanders in the field face impossible choices about fuel, ammunition, and even basic necessities,” he said.

He called for IGAD countries to step up and open their facilities as logistics hubs, enabling uninterrupted support to troops facing increasing attacks.

“There is a need to consider establishing backup supply mechanisms. IGAD countries should be prepared to open their facilities… to support those holding the terrorists at bay,” he urged.

Dr Workneh emphasised the importance of practical, ground-level solutions and called for donor countries to join forces through a coordinated and focused approach to address the financial gap. He particularly noted the importance of joint contingency planning to manage future disruptions in supply lines.

“Our courageous men and women in uniform are defending their positions, even though supply lines are stretched. We must support them. IGAD is committed to action, not just policy.”

Dr Workneh also reminded the summit of the human cost of inaction.

“I remember that the overwhelming sentiment in Mogadishu was that people care less about what the mission is called and more about whether it keeps their children safe. That’s what matters most.”

He concluded with a passionate appeal to the assembled leaders to work together for a stable Somalia, declaring, “We can and must do better. Somalia’s stability and our regional security depend on it. IGAD stands with you, ready to work hand in hand until our shared vision of a secure Somalia in 2029 becomes reality.”

The summit sets the stage for renewed commitment and collaboration between IGAD, the African Union, the UN, and troop-contributing countries in the fight against terrorism and the broader mission to restore peace and stability in Somalia.