Somalia / Working visit of The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union for Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 16, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ –
The main objectives of the visit were to:
Review the political, security and humanitarian situation on the ground;
Reaffirm to the Transitional Federal Government and to the people of Somalia, the African Union’s support for the Djibouti Agreement implementation;
Express AU’s support and solidarity to the people of Somalia following the recent targeted assassinations of innocent humanitarian workers, and to strongly condemn these barbaric and terrorist acts;
Meet AMISOM forces on the ground and review priorities and challenges.
On the political front, the SRCC had the opportunity to consult with H.E.President Abdulahi Yussuf with whom he had a working session. The President of Somalia reaffirmed TFG readiness to implement the Djibouti Agreement.
The President also expressed his hope that the Security Council will decide to deploy UN Peace Keeping Forces when it meets on 23rd July 2008 in New York. He further requested the African Union to provide its support in the implementation of the Djibouti Agreement. He took the opportunity to commend AMISOM troops for their performance and achievement in security, stabilization of the situation and humanitarian work in Mogadishu, which are very much appreciated by both the Government and the people of Somalia.
On the security front, the SRCC reviewed the security challenges and measures required to address those challenges.
On the humanitarian front, both the government and the African Union share the view that the humanitarian situation requires the continued mobilization of the international community in order to meet the needs of IDPs. It was also an opportunity to condemn acts of terrorism against humanitarian workers and the need for the perpetrators to be brought to book.
During his working visit in Mogadishu, the SRCC had discussions with the Force Commander, his deputy, senior officers and the troops to review the different aspects of their work including the challenges they faced.
At the end of his visit and within the framework of its mandate, newly trained Somali forces were commissioned by the SRCC and the Force Commander in the presence of the Acting Prime Minister, Mohamed Abdi Salaan. The message of the SRCC to these newly trained forces was the paramount need to strictly respect the human rights of the Somali population and above all their right to life.
SOURCE : Mission of UN in Somalia
