On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, a senior African Union military commander, Col. Daniel Musau, deputy commander of AUSSOM Sector II, held talks with Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe in Kismayo. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between Kenya Defence Forces serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Jubaland administration.
The discussions covered security challenges, stabilization efforts, and ways to strengthen cooperation between military commanders and regional authorities. According to Kenya's Defense Ministry, Musau emphasized the importance of sustained engagement with local leaders in pursuing shared security objectives in Sector II. This meeting is part of a series of engagements between AUSSOM commanders and Jubaland officials.
The African Union mission, AUSSOM, replaced ATMIS at the beginning of 2025 and is tasked with supporting Somali forces, degrading al-Shabab, protecting civilians, and helping create conditions for a phased security transition. Sector II, headquartered in Kismayo, includes areas of Lower Juba, Middle Juba, Gedo, and parts of Lower Shabelle, with Kenya being a principal troop contributor in the sector.
In recent months, AUSSOM leadership has increased engagement with commanders in Kismayo. Senior mission officials recently visited Sector II headquarters to review the security situation, ongoing operations, and challenges facing Kenyan troops. Kismayo remains one of the most important security and political centers in southern Somalia and is secured in part by AUSSOM troops from the Kenya Defence Forces.
Kenyan troops have also been involved in training Jubaland security personnel. In June, AUSSOM and Jubaland officials oversaw the graduation of 100 Jubaland troops in Kismayo following training in weapons handling, countering improvised explosive devices, battle drills, and tactical combat casualty care. This training aims to enhance the capabilities of Jubaland security forces.
The meeting between Musau and Madobe highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance security cooperation and stability in southern Somalia. AUSSOM's engagement with regional authorities and security forces is crucial in the fight against al-Shabab and the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somali institutions.
The collaboration between AUSSOM and Jubaland officials demonstrates a commitment to achieving shared security objectives. By working together, they aim to create a more stable and secure environment in southern Somalia, ultimately supporting the country's long-term peace and development goals.
Key points
- AUSSOM deputy commander Col. Daniel Musau meets Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe to discuss security cooperation.
- The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination between AUSSOM and the Jubaland administration.
- AUSSOM and Jubaland officials have been working together to enhance security cooperation and stability in southern Somalia.
