The commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Sector 5, Brig. Gen. Michel Ndenzako, recently met with Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe in Jowhar. The meeting, held at Villa Hirshabelle, focused on cooperation between AUSSOM, Somali security forces, and local authorities. This meeting took place on Sunday, November 2, 2026, according to reports from Hiiraan Online.
During the meeting, President Guudlawe commended the AUSSOM Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) contingent for its continued support in protecting state institutions and strategic infrastructure. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination and joint efforts to protect critical infrastructure, strengthen security, and promote lasting peace and stability in Hirshabelle State. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals.
The meeting between Brig. Gen. Ndenzako and President Guudlawe comes amid a dispute between the Hirshabelle administration and local authorities in the Hiiraan region over administrative control and authority. Tensions have been escalating, with Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, the governor of Hiiraan, recently rejecting a decision by the Hirshabelle administration to dismiss him. This development has significant implications for the region's stability.
In a statement issued recently, Governor Mohamed instructed airlines not to transport individuals affiliated with the Hirshabelle administration. This move is part of a broader dispute that has affected customs operations in the region. The governor announced the closure of a customs checkpoint in Matabaan, where taxes had previously been collected, and said operations had been moved to a newly established checkpoint in the El-Gal area.
The dispute between the Hirshabelle administration and Hiiraan region authorities has raised concerns about the potential impact on regional stability and security. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has been working to support Somali security forces and promote peace and stability in the region. The meeting between Brig. Gen. Ndenzako and President Guudlawe is seen as a step towards addressing these challenges.
The situation in Hirshabelle State and the Hiiraan region remains complex, with multiple stakeholders involved. The role of AUSSOM and other international partners will likely be crucial in supporting efforts to resolve the dispute and promote stability. Further developments are expected as the situation continues to unfold.
The meeting between Brig. Gen. Michel Ndenzako and President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe reflects the ongoing efforts to address security challenges and promote cooperation in Somalia. Key aspects of the discussions included security coordination, information sharing, and cooperation between AUSSOM, Somali security forces, and local authorities. The outcomes of this meeting will be closely watched as the situation in Hirshabelle State and the Hiiraan region continues to evolve.
Key points
- AUSSOM Sector 5 commander Brig. Gen. Michel Ndenzako meets with Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe to discuss security coordination and information sharing.
