Ambassador Mouktar Osman Karie Takes Up Key AU Leadership Role in Somalia
Senior AUSSOM representatives were also on hand to welcome the seasoned diplomat, signaling strong institutional alignment between the AU mission and Somali authorities.
- Country:
- Somalia
Ambassador Mouktar Osman Karie has officially assumed his new role as the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia and Deputy Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). His appointment marks a significant boost to the African Union’s leadership and operational presence in Somalia at a critical juncture in the country’s stabilization and peacebuilding process.
Upon his arrival at Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, Ambassador Karie received a warm welcome from high-level officials of the Federal Government of Somalia, including:
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Ishaq Mahmoud Mursal, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
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Omar Ali Abdi, State Minister for Defence
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Mohamed Ali Hagaa, State Minister for Internal Security
Senior AUSSOM representatives were also on hand to welcome the seasoned diplomat, signaling strong institutional alignment between the AU mission and Somali authorities.
A Diplomat Seasoned in African Peace and Security
Ambassador Karie brings with him a distinguished career in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and regional security cooperation across the African continent. Prior to his new appointment, he served as Regional Desk Coordinator for West Africa at the African Union Commission, where he was responsible for strategic engagement with member states and regional organizations on issues of governance, security, and political transitions.
He played a pivotal role in the AU’s coordinated responses to democratic setbacks and military coups in West Africa, helping shape regional dialogue and policy alignment in complex political environments. His leadership contributed to the AU’s credibility in navigating crises in countries such as Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.
Experience Shaped by Regional Security Mechanisms
Ambassador Karie previously served in senior capacities within the AU Peace and Security Department, where he was deeply involved in designing and executing key regional security frameworks, especially in the Sahel and Horn of Africa.
Among his most notable contributions were:
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Supporting the Djibouti Process and Nouakchott Process, which provide frameworks for regional counterterrorism cooperation and information-sharing across West and East Africa.
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Aiding in the operationalization of the East Africa Fusion and Liaison Unit (EAFLU), a hub for joint security intelligence, early warning, and transnational crime coordination among national security bodies.
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Participating in AU’s early warning and preventive diplomacy efforts, helping the Union anticipate and address emerging conflicts before they escalate.
His diplomatic track record also includes significant involvement in the AU’s engagements in Libya, as well as efforts to stabilize the wider Sahel region amidst security threats posed by insurgent and extremist groups.
Strengthening AUSSOM’s Strategic Mandate
Ambassador Karie’s arrival is expected to inject renewed momentum into the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the successor to AMISOM and ATMIS. AUSSOM operates as the AU’s flagship peace support mission in Somalia, with a revised mandate emphasizing:
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Support to Somali-led security stabilization
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Capacity-building for national institutions
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Coordination of regional and international support for state-building
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Facilitating political dialogue and reconciliation
With his multilingual capabilities in French, Arabic, and English, Ambassador Karie is well-positioned to bridge communication between Somali stakeholders, regional partners, and international allies.
“Ambassador Karie’s wealth of experience enhances the African Union’s capacity to advance peace, security, and institution-building efforts in Somalia,” said an AU spokesperson. “His leadership will be crucial in reinforcing Somali ownership of stabilization while coordinating multilateral support for lasting peace.”
Regional and Global Confidence in the AU-Somalia Partnership
Ambassador Karie’s appointment is widely seen as an affirmation of the African Union’s continued commitment to Somalia’s recovery after decades of conflict. It comes at a time when the Federal Government of Somalia is increasing its responsibilities for internal security and governance, amid the ongoing drawdown of international forces.
His vast diplomatic credentials are expected to elevate AU efforts to galvanize regional consensus, donor support, and continental solidarity behind Somalia’s path to peace and prosperity.
As the African Union prepares for its upcoming ministerial meetings and continues its post-ATMIS transition strategy, Ambassador Karie will play a central role in aligning mission objectives with Somalia’s national development priorities, including elections, constitutional reform, and decentralization.