Somalia praises Uganda’s peacekeeping mission

9 September 2025, 2:17 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Moallin Mohamod Sheikh Ali, has praised Uganda’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, highlighting the country’s significant contributions to stabilising the region. He made these remarks on the second day of the 63rd Annual Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO), currently underway in Kampala.

“Mr President, I bear testimony to the truth that Uganda paid in blood and treasure—the highest form of sacrifice—for the Somali people, and we are eternally grateful. Somalia has recovered and is making progress. I would like to emphasise that my presence here is not only due to the invitation, but also at the insistence of Uganda’s Consul General to Somalia, General Nathan Mugisha, who led the effort to liberate Mogadishu from the scourge of terrorist Al-Shabaab,” he said.

AALCO, comprising 49 member states from Asia and Africa, aims to foster cooperation among its members on international legal matters of common concern. Minister Mohamod emphasised the importance of this cooperation, stating: “This session, Mr President, comes at a time when our regions in Asia and Africa continue to face both challenges and opportunities.”

He further highlighted the crucial role AALCO plays in strengthening the rule of law, advancing justice, and promoting peace and development across Africa and Asia. “For Somalia, the strengthening of international law is not an abstract aspiration but a daily necessity as we continue to focus on peace, rebuilding our institutions, and advancing good governance,” Minister Mohamod said.

The minister commended Uganda’s efforts in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), saying: “Fighting terrorism requires international cooperation, developing a common agenda, and strengthening our collaboration to rid the world of this scourge.” Notably, Uganda has contributed significantly to AMISOM, deploying over 6,000 troops and playing a crucial role in liberating Mogadishu from Al-Shabaab, a militant group linked to Al-Qaeda.

Minister Mohamod also emphasised the need for a just and equitable system that allows countries emerging from conflict, such as Somalia, to benefit from fair participation in the global economy. He stated: “We emphasise the need for a just and equitable system that allows developing countries, particularly those emerging from conflict like Somalia, to benefit from fair participation in the global economy.” He further expressed Somalia’s solidarity with the people of Palestine, calling for respect for international law and the protection of civilians in occupied territories by Israel.

The AALCO session is deliberating on a range of topics, including the Law of the Sea, human rights, trade and investment law, environmental protection, and digital trade. The conference aims to strengthen Asia–Africa cooperation and contribute to a fairer and more inclusive global legal order.