The African Union has reiterated its earlier proposal to turn its peacekeeping force in Somalia into a hybrid mission.
The African Union Peace and Security Council said in a communique had expressed its support for the continued relevance of Communique adopted at its 1037th meeting which endorsed Option 1 of the Independent Assessment Report, namely, to establish an AU-UN Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Somalia, as the best way to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for the mission, from UN assessed contributions;
The African Union assessment team’s report in May had recommended the hybrid A.U.-U.N. mission have a mix of police (50%), military personnel (35%) and civilians (15%).
According to the communique, the African Union had lauded the progress achieved to date to liberate Somalia from Al Shabaab and other armed groups, to degrade their capabilities, and to create an enabling environment for the FGS to effectively extend state authority throughout the territory of the country;
The African Union Peace and Security Council commends the Somali National Army (SNA) and AMISOM for the progress registered thus far in the fight against the Al Shabaab terrorist group and, in particular, for the immeasurable personal sacrifice and unwavering commitment to defeat Al-Shabaab in very challenging conditions,” the communique reads in part. “Pays special tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace, expresses sincere condolences to the troop and police contributing countries and the families of the deceased; and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured in Al Shabaab attacks.”
Currently, five countries — including Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya and Djibouti — contribute to the more than 19,000 AMISOM military personnel operating in Somalia.
Since 2007, the regional peacekeeping mission, which operates with U.N. approval, has aided Somali government forces in their battle to stabilize the Horn of Africa country, mainly against al-Shabab fighters.
