The African Union has appointed Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, also known as “Boly”, as the new Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Ambassador Diene arrived in Mogadishu marking the official start of his tenure at a time when Somalia faces critical security and political transitions.

He was received at Aden Abdulle International Airport by senior officials from the Somali government and AUSSOM leadership.

He was received by Somalia’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ishaq Mahmoud Mursal; Deputy SRCC Ambassador Mouktar Osman Karie; AUSSOM Force Commander Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma; Acting Police Commissioner ACP Samuel Osiedu Okanta; and Head of Protection, Human Rights and Gender Division, Dr. Omar Abdulle Alasow.

Diene’s appointment comes as the AU mission continues its phased withdrawal and handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 2687.

His arrival also coincides with intensified efforts to neutralise the armed group al-Shabab, which remains a potent threat despite military gains in recent years.

Ambassador Diene brings decades of experience to the post, having held senior military and diplomatic roles across West, Central and East Africa.

He has served in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Syria, participating in peacekeeping and special political missions, including the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA).

His academic background is equally robust, with advanced degrees and diplomas in military studies, political science, aeronautics, and programme management.

In a brief statement, AU officials expressed confidence that Diene's leadership would help reinforce collaboration between AUSSOM and Somali authorities in supporting peacebuilding, state-building, and the transition process.