By PSCU

Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo

Djibouti: Troops and police contributing countries to the Mission of the African Union for Somalia (AMISOM) today agreed on a coordinated approach to achieving the mission’s agenda.

The AMISOM member countries resolved to ensure full deployment of troops to all the sectors covered by AMISOM mission in Somalia.

Briefing the press after the AMISOM summit in Djibouti, Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo said the meeting was extremely important for the member countries to review the effectiveness of the mission and chart the way forward.

The CS emphasized that AMISOM was fighting terrorism in Somali on behalf of the international community and hence the need for the United Nations to fully fund its operations.

“It was felt that the threats of terror in Somalia are also a challenge to international peace and security. The UN needs to do its part in assisting in the financing of AMISOM,” Ms. Omamo said.

She said defence and foreign affairs ministers of the concerned countries have been tasked to accelerate the process of engaging the United Nations Security Council as regards the issue of financing of AMISOM.

On the liberated areas, the CS said the Somali National Army and Somali Police need to be fully equipped to safeguard them. There is also need for strong administrative structures to ensure development and social stability prevails, she added.

She expressed optimism that the upcoming elections succeed saying Somali leaders have agreed on a hybrid model that reflects transitional stage within the country.

“The Somali leadership has expressed their commitment to free and fair elections,” she added.

Ms. Omamo assured that AMISOM will ensure peace and security prevailed during the forthcoming elections as it engages the Al-shabaab and other negative forces.

Source: Standard Digital