Security Council authorizes African Union to continue mission in Somalia
Listen /
The sun rises over ships preparing to unload supplies in Mogadishu after city’s restoration to normalcy
The Security Council has decided to authorize the African Union to maintain the deployment of its mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 7 March next year.
The Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Wednesday which, among other things, allows AMISOM to take all necessary measures to reduce the threat of Al-Shabaab insurgents and other armed groups in Somalia.
Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant of the United Kingdom, which sponsored the resolution, says that AMISOM, working alongside Somali forces, has achieved significant security gains over the last year.
"The Security Council is united in its admiration for the achievements and sacrifices of AMISOM and its troop-contributing countries, specifically Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti and Burundi. The additional civilian staff that the Council has authorized through this resolution will ensure the delivery of urgent stabilization efforts in areas freed from the dark shadow of Al-Shabaab. This increased effort will also help restore the Somali people's faith in local government structures which have been sorely lacking in recent times." (Duration: 29")
The Security Council also authorized AMISOM to assist with the free movement, safe passage and protection of all those involved with the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.
