Somalia has officially launched its campaign to become a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC), a 15-member body responsible for shaping policies on the continent’s stability.
This comes as Somalia already holds a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2025-2026 term, which it secured last year.
The AU-PSC often collaborates with or complements the decisions of the UNSC, making Somalia’s dual ambition a significant development.
Membership in the AU-PSC is determined through annual rotational elections among African Union member states, with elected members serving staggered three-year terms. This rotation ensures equitable representation by preventing immediate re-election of outgoing members.
Somalia, which has been the focus of numerous decisions by both councils over the past two decades, now seeks a place on the AU-PSC for the 2025-2028 term. These decisions have included the ongoing deployment of African Union forces in Somalia, currently operating under the African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission (AUSSOM).
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement outlining the nation’s aspirations to contribute to peace and stability across Africa. It emphasised that Somalia’s bid for a seat on the AU-PSC reflects a commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and fair representation within the council.
The statement noted that the campaign is not solely about Somalia’s interests but about advancing a vision for a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
Somalia has never held a seat on the AU-PSC since its establishment in 2004, beginning operations in 2005. However, its recent achievements on the international stage promote its candidacy.
These include securing debt relief after meeting conditions set by international financial institutions, election to the UNSC, the lifting of UN sanctions and a weapons embargo, and admission into the East African Community.
The Somali government argues that its simultaneous roles in the AU-PSC and UNSC would enable it to align and promote African priorities globally.
The campaign also highlights Somalia’s historical contributions to Pan-Africanism, including its support for liberation movements, opposition to apartheid, and advocacy for sovereignty and independence across the continent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Somalia’s legacy as a founding member of the African Union, originally the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), further highlights its dedication to Africa’s shared progress.
“Somalia’s long-standing contributions to Pan-Africanism include supporting liberation movements, fighting apartheid, and championing independence and sovereignty across the continent,” the statement pinpointed as the country’s leadership successes.
“With resilience and courage, Somalia is rapidly regaining its status as an influential leader both regionally and globally, transforming into a fast-rising, stable, and sovereign federal republic,” the Ministry stated.
