The milestone reflects growing confidence among African nations in Somalia’s capacity to contribute to regional peace and stability…reports Newsdesk
Somalia has made history by joining the African Union Peace and Security Council for the first time since the body was established in 2003.
The Federal Government of Somalia was elected to the influential council in February 2026 and will serve a two-year term. The milestone reflects growing confidence among African nations in Somalia’s capacity to contribute to regional peace and stability.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, formally raised the Somali flag at the council’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, marking the country’s official assumption of its seat and responsibilities.
The development comes after decades during which Somalia was largely defined internationally by conflict, instability and humanitarian crisis. Its election to one of the continent’s most significant security bodies signals a meaningful shift in how the country is perceived across Africa and beyond.
Government officials described the moment as a historic milestone that strengthens Somalia’s international standing, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, conflict prevention and continental cooperation.
Somalia will now participate in council deliberations on peace and security across Africa for the next two years.
Meanwhile, the African Union Peace and Security Council has formally inaugurated its 16th cohort, with six newly elected members raising their flags at a ceremony in Addis Ababa on Monday evening.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf presided over the Third Flag Installation Ceremony, reaffirming the continent’s collective commitment to peace, security and stability.
The newly elected members are Benin, Gabon, Somalia, South Africa, Lesotho and Morocco. They join re-elected members Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone and Uganda on the council. Somalia takes its seat for the first time in the body’s history, having never previously served since the council’s establishment in 2003.
Addressing the incoming members, Chairperson Youssouf offered his congratulations while underlining the weight of responsibility that comes with council membership. He said serving on the Peace and Security Council carries a solemn obligation to act decisively and collectively, in full alignment with the principles of the African Peace and Security Architecture.
He urged the new cohort to remain committed to preventive diplomacy and conflict management, and called on members to anticipate crises, respond with unity and sustain peace in a way that reflects the aspirations of the African people.
Youssouf closed by reaffirming the AU Commission’s full support to the council as it begins its new mandate.
