AU Special Representative welcomes UN Security Council Resolution

calling for greater support to the Somali National Security Forces and an increase in the authorized troop level for AMISOM

Mogadishu-November 12th, 2013; The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has welcomed the decision by the United Nations Security Council to increase the AMISOM authorized troop strength from 17,731 to 22,126 uniformed personnel and provide greater support to the Somali National Security Forces while extending the Mission’s mandate to 31 October 2014.

Ambassador Annadif notes that the decision by the UN Security Council comes at the right time as AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces have made significant gains in driving out Al-Shabaab terrorists from strategic towns of the country hence requiring more troops to secure the liberated areas while advancing to those still under Al-Shabaab control.

This resolution comes in response to the request made by the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) in its communiqué dated 10th October 2013. In the communiqué, the AUPSC requested for additional troops to enable Somali National Army supported by AMISOM to continue with its operations in the stabilization operations.

He said; “The decision to increase AMISOM strength and greater support to the Somali National Security Forces would not have come at a better time than now. The increase in the territory under AMISOM and SNA control requires an immediate boost in the level of troops already on the ground. I therefore applaud the decision of the UN Security Council.”

He added that the resolution is also a strong indication of the importance that the world attaches to the AU’s efforts in Somalia and recognition that the AMISOM’s work is vital to global and regional security, including the fight against terrorism and piracy. He thanked all the contributing countries and urged them to work together to generate the additional troops.

The SRCC also praised the European Union (EU) for its continued support to AMISOM since the establishment of the mission and hopes that such efforts and collaboration will continue.

The Somali National Security Forces (SNA) with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have of late registered tremendous successes in liberating key areas of the country from Al-Shabaab terrorists thereby enabling the country to enjoy the longest period of relative peace since 1991.

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