Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed Somalia’s security situation and international support for the African Union’s AUSSOM mission during a meeting in New York.
NEW YORK, United States (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Wednesday, with the two discussing Somalia's security situation and international support for an African Union peacekeeping mission in the country.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where world leaders are gathering for high-level talks on global security, development and other international challenges. The General Assembly's general debate runs from September 22 to 26 and resumes on September 28.
According to the UN, Guterres and Hassan discussed the latest developments in Somalia's peace and security situation, as well as efforts to maintain international support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM.
AUSSOM supports Somali security forces as they take greater responsibility for security operations across the country, while international partners continue to provide financial, logistical and operational assistance.
The UN secretary-general reiterated the United Nations' commitment to supporting Somalia's national priorities, including efforts aimed at strengthening peace, security and stability, according to the meeting readout.
The discussions come as Somalia seeks to expand the capacity of its national security institutions and gradually assume greater responsibility for security from international forces.
The transition has been a major focus of international engagement with Somalia, with the UN and African Union working alongside the federal government on arrangements for security support and the development of Somali security forces.
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Somalia continues to face security challenges from Al-Shabaab, which has carried out attacks against government, military and civilian targets in the country and remains a major threat to regional security.
The UN has also continued to support the development of Somalia's security institutions. In August, the UN Mine Action Service said it had trained thousands of Somali National Army personnel in explosive hazard awareness and route-search operations through its partnership with the UN Support Office in Somalia.
The meeting between Hassan and Guterres came as the Somali government continues to seek sustained international backing for AUSSOM and broader efforts to strengthen national security capabilities.
The two leaders also discussed Somalia's wider priorities, with the UN reaffirming its support for the country's peace, security and stability efforts.
AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in January 2025, marking a new phase in the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
The mission operates as part of wider international efforts to support Somalia's security transition while helping the government build institutions capable of independently managing the country's security needs.
The discussions in New York underline the continuing role of international partners as Somalia works to strengthen its security forces and address persistent threats, while moving toward greater national ownership of security operations.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
