Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene “Boly,” the newly appointed Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), made his first official visit to Kismayo on August 4, 2025.
The visit marked a key moment in his leadership, as he engaged with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops and other mission personnel stationed at the Kismayo New Airport Main Operating Base.
Accompanied by AUSSOM Chief of Staff Major General Kindu Gezu, Chief Engineer Colonel Suleiman Ibrahim, and a team of senior officers, Ambassador Diene was welcomed by AUSSOM Sector II Commander Brigadier Edward Banda and senior KDF officers.
Upon arrival, he received a ceremonial guard of honour mounted by AUSSOM-KDF troops, reflecting the importance of his visit to the frontlines of the stabilization mission.
The ambassador proceeded to the Sector II Headquarters, where he signed the visitors’ book and participated in a high-level briefing session with key mission partners.
KDF disclosed that the briefing outlined the security situation in the region, highlighted operational achievements, and discussed ongoing efforts aligned with AUSSOM’s mandate to restore peace and stability in Somalia.
Ambassador Diene commended the troops for their dedication and sacrifices, acknowledging the complexity of operations in the field.
“I am very impressed by the complexity of the work each of you are doing. We need the combined expertise of all partners, along with the efforts of our international counterparts, which are critical and add value to the mission. It is how we work together that will make the difference for the Somali people,” said the SRCC.
His visit, he emphasized, was intended to provide a deeper understanding of the on-ground realities and challenges faced by the forces and local communities.
This insight, he said, is crucial for shaping effective strategic decisions at the continental level.
He further underscored the need for close collaboration among all mission partners and international counterparts, noting that the collective strength and expertise of the coalition would be instrumental in achieving a peaceful and stable Somalia.
The visit reaffirmed AUSSOM's commitment to supporting Somalia’s stabilization efforts.
It reinforced the critical role of KDF and other African Union contingents in advancing long-term peace and security in the region.