Somalia has been elected to the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the first time since the body was established in 2004, marking what officials described as a milestone in the country’s diplomatic re-engagement on the continent.

The country will serve on the 15-member council for the 2026–2028 term following a vote on Wednesday in Addis Ababa ahead of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit.

The peace and security council’s mission is to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts in African nations.

“The trust and support Somalia has received from African Union member states reflect the positive transformation underway in the country and the strengthening spirit of partnership. We previously served as a member of the United Nations Security Council; today, we hold a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council,” Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Years of rebuilding

Somalia announced its candidacy for a seat in the council in January 2025, launching a diplomatic campaign to secure support from member states. Its election comes after years of efforts by the Horn of Africa nation to rebuild state institutions and reassert its role in regional and continental affairs.

Foreign Affairs Minister Abdisalam Dhaay represented Somalia at a meeting of foreign ministers held to review institutional reforms, partnerships and strategic priorities ahead of the summit.

"This election reflects the confidence placed in Somalia by fellow AU Member States. Somalia extends its sincere gratitude to all countries that supported its candidacy, with special appreciation for the unity and solidarity demonstrated by Member States of the Eastern Africa region," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

It said Somalia remained committed to African solidarity and stronger collective security mechanisms.

Continental diplomacy

Somalia is a founding member of the African Union’s predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and hosted the 11th OAU Summit in Mogadishu in June 1974.

Officials said the PSC seat reflects the country’s renewed engagement with continental diplomacy after decades of conflict and political instability.

The AU has maintained a peace support mission in Somalia for more than 17 years, assisting the federal government in its fight against terrorism and in efforts to stabilise the country.