Monday August 3, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi met Sunday with Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu to discuss counterterrorism operations, the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and efforts to deepen defense cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defense in Mogadishu, focused on Somalia's ongoing military campaign against al-Shabab, strengthening bilateral security ties and enhancing the capacity of the Somali security forces.
"The government of Somalia appreciates China's continued support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia," Fiqi said during the meeting.
The two sides also discussed ways to expand cooperation in defense and security, including support for institutional capacity-building within Somalia's armed forces.
The talks came as the future of AUSSOM remains under intense discussion following calls by troop-contributing countries for the United Nations Security Council to extend support for the African Union mission.
At an extraordinary summit in Kampala last week, leaders from countries contributing troops to AUSSOM urged the Security Council to maintain U.N. logistical and operational support for the mission for an additional 18 to 24 months, warning that a premature withdrawal could create a security vacuum and undermine Somalia's gains against al-Shabab.
The communiqué said the extension would allow time to strengthen Somali security institutions and facilitate the gradual transfer of security responsibilities from AUSSOM to Somali forces.
China has long been one of Somalia's key diplomatic partners, supporting the country's state-building efforts through infrastructure projects, humanitarian assistance and political backing at the United Nations. Beijing has also consistently reaffirmed its support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity while calling for greater international cooperation to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
