AMISOM will stay in Somalia till SNA is reformed, says president Farmaajo

Somalia’s newly elected president; Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo said troops of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) will remain Somalia until Somalia’s army is capable of effectively taking over the country’s security from African Union troops.

President Farmaajo commended AMISOM for its role to improve Somalia security during the years his predecessor, Hassan Sheikh had been in office.

“AMISOM did a lot of work (here in Somalia), they defended and supported the government to function, we praise them (AMISOM) and All troop contributing nations. We shall work together until we reform our army,” said president Farmaajo.

Speaking at handing over ceremony observed by high-ranking officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari, Farmaajo said Somalia will put more efforts to train its troops who will replace AU forces.

AU sent its troops to Somalia to back Somalia’s weak government soldiers in 2007

Over 22,000-strong AU forces prop up Somali National Army (SNA) in the fight against militants in central and southern Somalia.