AU Welcomes Decision By UN To Strengthen Somalia Peacekeeping Mission

Bernama
Friday, November 15, 2013

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African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has welcomed the decision by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to strengthen AMISOM, the peacekeeping mission in Somalia operated by the AU with the approval of the UN.

A press statement from the AU headuarters here Thursday said she expressed satisfaction at the decision which authorises an increase in the strength of AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) from 17,731 to 22,126 uniformed personnel, and support to the Somali National Army (SNA), through an appropriate UN Trust Fund.

The strengthening of AMISOM and support to the SNA will make it possible to resume and intensify the military campaign against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group operating in Somalia, the statement added.

The decision will also help to expand the authority of the Federal Government of Somalia and facilitate the political process, which will culminate in the finalisation and adoption of a federal Constitution and the holding of elections.

The Chairperson stressed that the decision was a further illustration of the close and innovative partnership that the AU and the UN were engaged in to endeavour to build peace and stability in Somalia.

She expressed the AU's gratitude to the members of the UNSC for their support and commitment to the achievement of lasting peace, security, stability and reconciliation in Somalia. The Security Council on Tuesday authorized a temporary boost for AMISOM by more than 4,000 troops and an expanded logistical package so it can maintain basic security and respond to the evolving threat from Al-Shabaab insurgents.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, the Council extended the deployment of AMISOM, which was created in 2007, until Oct 31, 2014. It also requested the AU to increase AMISOM's force strength from 17,731 to a maximum of 22,126 uniformed personnel, and decided to expand the logistical support package provided to the force by the United Nations.

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