Thuersday Dec 25, 2025 {HMC} The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has welcomed the successful and peaceful conduct of Banadir local council elections in Mogadishu today, describing them as a historic milestone in Somalia’s democratic journey, security transition and state-building process.
“For the first time in decades, citizens in Mogadishu got the opportunity to directly choose their local leadership through the ballot of the universal vote. The peaceful conduct, civic responsibility, and strong participation demonstrated, reflect the growing resilience, courage and determination of the Somali people,” said the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of AUSSOM, H.E. Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene.
The SRCC further highlighted that the elections were conducted in a largely peaceful and orderly manner, underscoring the progress made in enhancing security and public trust in Somali Security Forces (SSF).
Ambassador Diene commended the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and security institutions for their professionalism and coordination in facilitating a calm and secure environment throughout the electoral process.
AUSSOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Somali-led peace, and stability process in close partnership with the international community.
