African Union Special Envoy for Somalia Holds Security Talks With Jubbaland President

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Francisco Madeira, held discussions on the security and stability of Jubbaland with the Interim Jubba Administration officials and AMISOM sector commanders.

The closed-door security talks, attended by Interim Jubba Administration President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, focussed how to sustain the battle against Al Shabaab militants in their strongholds and ensure the liberated areas are stabilized.

Ambassador Madeira was also briefed on the status of security in the region, including the recent mortar attack on Kismayo Airport and its environs.

The SRCC described the talks as open, frank and fruitful, adding that they were part of a series of discussions with regional administration officials and sector commanders.

“I had quite a long discussion with President Madobe about the reality in Jubbaland, the need to fight and neutralise Al Shabaab. I was impressed by his determination and his view and vision on how this can be done in a concerted and coordinated manner,” Ambassador Madeira said.

The SRCC noted that IJA President’s views were not different from those of the heads of state from Troop Contributing Countries who recently met in Djibouti and pledged to reinforce military operations in Somalia to effectively counter Al Shabaab.

The Djibouti summit, also attended by Ambassador Madeira, asked stakeholders to increase and provide timely and effective support to the Somali National Army (SNA) to help defeat Al Shabaab.

The summit identified capacity building of the SNA and stabilization of the newly liberated areas as priority this year.

President Madobe thanked the SRCC for visiting Kismayo, saying IJA was ready to work with AMISOM to defeat Al Shabaab, whose aim was to destabilize Somalia.

“Jubbaland is ready for the operation against Al Shabaab. We are ready to work with the Somali National Army and Jubbaland forces will play a key role in the operation against the militants. It is a matter that we must be involved in and ensure we work hard together to defeat Al Shabaab in their remaining strongholds in Jubbaland region. This will help us achieve peace and political stability,” said IJA President.