The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemns the terrorist attack carried out by Al-Shabaab on 4 October 2025, reportedly targeting the Godka Jilow prison in the capital city of Mogadishu, which resulted in the loss of lives and left several others wounded.

The Chairperson presents the African Union's most heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Somalia, especially to the bereaved families, and wishes speedy recovery to those wounded in the attack.

Most importantly, the Chairperson assures the Somali Government of the full solidarity and the unfaltering commitment of the Union, to neutralize the pervasive threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism in Somalia, the Horn of Africa region and the entire continent. The role of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), remains highly pivotal to this counter-terrorism agenda, through working closely with the Somalia Security Forces (SSF) in joint operations, for restoration of peace and stability in Somalia.

The Chairperson also calls on all AU Member States including the Troop and Police Contributing Countries and the broader international community to intensify support to the Federal Republic of Somalia and the AUSSOM to effectively degrade and eliminate Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups in Somalia

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia