The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) pledged to work closely with the Somali government to strengthen stabilisation efforts. Sources reported that the acting Head of AUSSOM, Sivuyile Bam, who extended congratulations to the Somali National Army (SNA) on the 65th anniversary of its founding, urged the international partners to support Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in his ongoing efforts to build a strong army capable of securing Somalia. Bam reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to working closely with the Somali government and the SNA to protect civilians, safeguard major supply routes, and liberate areas under the control of al Shabab militants.