Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security in the Horn of Africa during a high-level bilateral meeting in Djibouti.

The discussions centered around the upcoming transition of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM), set to begin on January 1, 2025.

President Mohamud, who led a delegation of senior Somali officials, was invited by President Guelleh for the working visit. The two leaders underscored the importance of regional stability and stressed the need to respect Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

In their joint statement, the Heads of State commended the efforts of Djibouti National Defense Forces, Somali National Armed Forces, and other troop-contributing countries (TCCs) in the fight against terrorism.

President Mohamud expressed gratitude to President Guelleh for his consistent support in promoting peacebuilding and state-building initiatives in Somalia, highlighting Djibouti’s significant role in regional security efforts.

The leaders discussed the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM, emphasizing the importance of ensuring predictable and sustainable funding for the new mission. They welcomed the creation of AUSSOM and recognized the achievements of ATMIS in stabilizing Somalia.

Both heads of state called on the international community to explore all funding avenues, including those set out in UN Resolution 2719, to guarantee the mission’s success.

Strengthening Somalia’s security capabilities was a key point of the discussions. The presidents highlighted the need to enhance the capacities of Somali Security Forces (SSF) and urged international partners to provide support for the Somali Security Development Plan, ensuring a smooth and effective handover at the end of AUSSOM’s mandate.

To reinforce bilateral cooperation, the leaders agreed to convene a session of the Joint Cooperation Commission (CMC) as soon as possible. They instructed their foreign ministers to arrange the meeting, with details to be confirmed diplomatically.

President Guelleh reiterated Djibouti’s enduring solidarity with Somalia, reaffirming his country’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to achieve long-term peace and stability.

President Mohamud’s visit to Djibouti follows his earlier diplomatic engagements with other ATMIS troop-contributing nations, including Uganda and Burundi, though he has notably not visited Ethiopia due to recent tensions over a port agreement with Somaliland.

The discussions in Djibouti mark a significant step towards a smooth transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM, reflecting the shared goal of sustained peace and development in Somalia and the wider region.