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Somalia

Rally behind AMISOM and the government to speed up stabilization process, AU Special Envoy urges the Somali public

Mogadishu, 23 February 2017 - The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, yesterday held a roundtable discussion with the Somali public on the achievements and challenges facing the 11-year-old African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The roundtable discussion, the first one this year, was attended by politicians, members of the civil society, business community, religious leaders, academics and security experts, who engaged the senior leadership on various issues ranging from AMISOM’s relationship with the Somali government, its sources of funding, its exit strategy and training programmes for Somali security forces among others.

While enumerating AMISOM’s achievements, Ambassador Madeira urged the Somali public to rally behind the African Union Mission and the Federal Government to help speed up the stabilization process and restore lasting peace and security in the country.

“Any operation needs to be coordinated, needs to be planned together not only with the military and intelligence, but even with the humanitarians, the administrators, the regional and national governments who know the place very well. That way, the chances of success are much, much bigger. That’s how we intend to do and that’s the direction even the exit strategy will be going,” Ambassador Madeira noted

AMISOM is currently implementing the UN Security Council resolution passed in August, last year, which authorized a reduction of troops and transfer of national security responsibilities to the Somali National Security Forces.

Ambassador Madeira said AMISOM will continue working closely with the federal and state governments during the transition period to help Somalis take charge of their country and realize sustainable development.

The SRCC, who was accompanied by the Mission’s senior leadership, defended AMISOM from accusations of inactivity, saying its presence in Somalia had ushered in a period of stability and put the country on the path to one-person one-vote in 2021.

“There is increased mobility and trade, increased operations of international airlines, carriers both private and public. There’s booming real estate development and construction of businesses in the country not forgetting the growing number of financial institutions in the country. All these are as a result of the relative peace now being enjoyed across the country due to the presence of the African Union troops,” Ambassador Madeira added.

He singled out the securing the 2016 electoral process, which culminated in the election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and the establishment of a bicameral parliament, as one of the major achievements made on the political front due to the close cooperation between AMISOM and Somali national security forces.

As a result of the relative peace, the SRCC said, lending institutions, namely the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have made a comeback to the country after a hiatus of more than 25 years.

“The World Bank is now supporting government institutions in Somalia to promote good governance, accelerate economic recovery and create jobs. There is now a conducive environment and enhanced confidence for investment in Somalia,” the SRCC observed.

Last year, the International Monetary Fund announced that creditors may cancel part of Somalia’s $5.3 billion debt if it takes concrete steps towards reforming its economy and improving governance.

Ambassador Madeira said AMISOM had enhanced its collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia to enable it offer better services to the people.

“All these things are happening in addition to the continued technical support AMISOM is providing to the government in the areas of legislation, gender, reconciliation and conflict management and resolution,” he added.

The SRCC however noted that the 10-year presence of AMISOM in the country has not been without challenges that need to be addressed urgently.

“There are still serious challenges on the security front which cannot be taken lightly. This includes continued radicalization of the youth, recruitment, training, indoctrination and ideological inducement of children to embrace violent extremism and commit acts of terrorism. We need to win back these children as well as the hearts and minds of the population working in cahoots with terrorism,” he added.

Responding to questions from the participants, Ambassador Madeira told the roundtable that the African Union had formed a group comprising special envoys to help mobilize development partners to support AMISOM and Somalia with predictable funding to enable them effectively fight Al-Shabaab.

The AMISOM Force Commander, Jim Owoyesigire, and Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo, echoed Ambassador Madeira’s sentiments, saying the African Union Mission will continue aiding Somalia establish strong institutions critical in restoring peace and security.

The head of the Heritage Institute, a Somali think-tank, Abdirashid Hashi, welcomed the discussions saying it had helped residents better understand AMISOM’s mission in Somalia.

“I think the discussion was frank and I think AMISOM and Somali side, both of them, learnt one thing or another today,” said Mr. Hashi.

Mohamed Shire, a security analyst, also lauded the organizers for providing a platform to deliberate on the AMISOM exit strategy.

“This was a very good discussion and really timely discussion as we think about the exit strategy for AMISOM,” Shire added.

The forum, which was held in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, was organized by AMISOM and the Heritage Institute.

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