Instead, discussions highlighted the need for political reconciliation, stronger institutions and dialogue between Somalia’s federal government and member states. Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said military solutions could not deliver sustainable peace without addressing Somalia’s political divisions. The debate comes amid heightened political tensions inside Somalia following disagreements over constitutional reforms, elections and the future political roadmap. Turkey recently hosted talks between representatives of Somalia’s federal government and opposition figures in an attempt to reduce political tensions. For nearly two decades, AU forces have fought alongside Somali security forces against militant groups, particularly al-Shabaab.