African Union envoy urges increased support to stabilize Somalia

Tuesday September 22, 2015

MOGADISHU Somalia -- An African Union (AU) envoy has urged increased efforts for peace building initiatives in Somalia.

Maman Sidikou, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and Head of the AU Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), said "peace dividends are already evident" as Somalia is rebounding from decades of war.

"We cannot underestimate the power of those who have made deliberate efforts to shun violence and embrace peace.

"A bright future for Somalia depends on collaborative efforts that will enhance that peace," Sidikou said in a statement issued in the capital Mogadishu to mark the International Day of Peace that falls on Monday.

The AMISOM has been very active in the recent past, stepping up their onslaught to crush 'al-Shabaab' militants, the envoy said.

'al-Shabaab' has vowed reprisal attacks in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya.

The envoy said the Somali government, with support from the AU force and other international partners, are spearheading the efforts to restore "complete peace" in the country and allow socio-economic and political growth.

The International Peace Day was established in 1981 through a UN General Assembly resolution and is observed around the world every year on Sept. 21.