Amisom appeals for urgent support to Somali forces ahead of draw-down

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, addresses journalists during a press conference in Mogadishu, Somalia on November 7, 2017. AMISOM Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Amisom has called for increased reinforcement of Somali security forces to enable them effectively position themselves for takeover ahead of phased exit by the African Union troops who have been in the country for a decade.

Amisom Chief Francisco Madeira underscored the urgency with which the support of Somali forces is needed noting ‘that timely and well-coordinated support is necessary to consolidate the gains already made in the country and enable SNSF assume full responsibility for the country’s security, once the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) exits.’

“We must reiterate, however, the urgency for timely support for the Somali National Security Forces,” Madeira said. “The forces urgently need to be equipped with necessary weapons, key logistical support including timely payment of stipends, provision of quality medical care, establishment of key infrastructure including barracks and training centers among others.”

He noted that AMISOM will reduce its troops by 1000 before the end of the year, adding that realignment and redeployment of troops in all the sectors is ongoing.

“Troop movements have started in different parts of the country and will continue for the coming weeks. This is a process of realignment to effect the reduction in numbers and also begin the handover process of national security responsibility to the Somali National Security Forces,” SRCC Madeira noted.

Addressing the media a day after the Mission said it had launched operations to flush out Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle, Madeira stated the recent re-alignment of the troops was aimed at positioning the troops strategically to effectively deal with the security situation.

“It is about re-arranging ourselves in manner that we remain effective despite the reduction of numbers.”

Regarding the entry of Ethiopian troops into Somalia last week, Madeira said the troops were not new but were just replacing the existing troops. “They can be fresh troops in the sense that they are new youngsters coming but these troops come after the others have left. So they are rotating out. But the numbers in the field remain fixed.”

Ethiopia and Kenya maintain troops outside Amisom command through bilateral arrangements with Somalia. Madeira said any troops increase in Amisom must be approved by the African Union and the UN.

“The numbers are fixed and No increase of troops can take place without a clear agreement with the African union and without the UN.”

Madeira called on Somalis to cooperate with the security forces to defeat Al-Shabaab.

“Every citizen has a role to play in this effort to ensure that Somalia is pacified and freed from all elements of terror. It is important to note that security forces cannot uproot Al-Shabaab from the communities if the residents do not play their part by sharing the necessary information with the relevant security organs,” Ambassador Madeira observed.