The Security Council today said a strong African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in Somalia is vital to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Council also called for predictable, reliable and timely resources to support the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia to strengthen its capability to help the country’s transitional government implement its commitments to restore peace and stability.
“The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to AMISOM [the AU mission) and expressed their continued appreciation for the commitment of troops by the troop contributing countries.” – B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs
AMISOM is fulfilling its mandate for providing the stabilization of Somalia. It creates an enabling environment for the TFG to re-establish control and provide security for the population. The peacekeeping operations are intended to disrupt the extremist insurgents the space and means to harass and extort money from the population to fund their terrorism.
The Council reaffirmed its full support for the Djibouti Agreement as the basis for the resolution of the conflict in Somalia.
Member of the Council commended the unity of purpose demonstrated at the recent Constitutional Conference held in the Somali town of Garowe. They encouraged for an inclusive and representative dialogue with the Somali people on the draft constitution.
They urged the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) to remain united, demonstrate strong political will, and focus on the timely implementation of the roadmap.
The Council also expressed its readiness to support action against spoilers who seek to undermine the peace process in Somalia.
It stressed its grave concern over the continuing dire humanitarian situation. Somalia has been suffering “too long and too much.”
The severe drought in southern Somalia also has caused lost of livelihood. The country has also been ravaged by two decades of endless wars and violence.
“On the security front, Al-Shabaab continues to be a threat despite its withdrawal from Mogadishu in August. It has stepped up its suicide attacks in the capital. A concerted military offensive of the African Union Mission in Somalia and regional powers may present a chance of defeating them.” -Mr. Pascoe
Al-Shabaab militant group has been compared with the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan because of its opinions and beliefs.
Somalia has been in constant wars for past two past decades since the collapse of the Somali state in January 21, 1991. Millions of lives were lost and countless number of people had been internally displaced.
