Angola Endorses Political Initiatives in Somalia at African Union Council Meeting

Addis ababa: Angola welcomed the political initiatives developed by the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal States during a meeting in Addis Ababa. These initiatives are part of the Stabilization and Development Plan aimed at achieving consensus on power-sharing, resource allocation, and fiscal federalism. According to Angola Press News Agency, the position was articulated by Angola's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, during the 1330th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. The meeting focused on the situations in Sudan and Somalia, as well as the operations of the African Union Assistance and Stabilization Mission in Somalia. Antonio expressed concern over the ongoing lack of political consensus in the Somali Parliament concerning the Constitutional Review process, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive dialogue to overcome the 2012 Provisional Constitution. The Angolan minister warned of the risks associated with holding elections without broad political agreem ent, especially as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term concludes in May 2026. He noted that such conditions could lead to increased tensions, threaten institutional stability, and undermine efforts against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. Angola reiterated its support for Communiqué 1324 of the African Union Peace and Security Council, which upholds the sovereignty and unity of Somalia. Antonio condemned any external interference threatening Somali unity and territorial integrity, cautioning against precedents that could destabilize the Horn of Africa and the continent. He underscored the significance of UN Security Council Resolution 2767/2024, which enabled the African Union to establish a robust operational command structure for the mission in Somalia. The Angolan minister stressed the importance of providing the African Union Assistance and Stabilization Mission in Somalia with adequate logistical, structural, and operational resources to enhance its effectiveness. He acknowledged the recommendations in the Concept Note under review and supported the presented proposals, believing they could enrich the Final Communiqué of the council. Antonio urged Somali political authorities, including the President and leaders of Federal States such as Jubaland, Puntland, and Somaliland, to engage in inclusive dialogue to promote mutual trust and cohesion, preserve territorial integrity, and complete the constitutional review necessary for the December 2026 elections. He also praised the countries contributing troops and police to the mission, especially Egypt, which is set to deploy its contingent soon, and commended the Somali Security Forces for their dedication. The Peace and Security Council meeting coincided with the 39th Summit of Heads of State and Governments, marking the end of Angolan President Joo Lourenço's term as head of the organization.