BY: AMISOM

Mogadishu 10 September-On an assessment mission to Somalia, the African Union Peace Support Operations Division (AU PSOD) was satisfied with the progress being made to transfer security responsibilities to Somali Security Forces, in line with the Somali Transition Plan.

The delegation from the African Union Commission made a two-day visit to assess the operations of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and evaluate progress made in the implementation of the transition plan.

Maj. Gen. Francis Okello, the Chief of the Plans and Operations Unit in the AU PSOD led the delegation which also consisted of officials from the United Nations Office to the African Union. This was to monitor progress made by AMISOM to fulfil the tasks mandated to the mission by the AU Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council. The AU PSOD carries out routine assessment visits to provide updates on the implementation of the AMISOM mandate.

AMISOM is presently implementing the transition plan, which is a comprehensive guide on the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali security forces ahead of AMISOM’s anticipated exit in 2021.

The delegation visited the Jazeera II Forward Operating Base outside Mogadishu, interacted with AMISOM military and police personnel and expressed gratitude for the sacrifices and contribution of the troops to the success of the mission.

“This was an opportunity for us to see achievements in implementing the Somali Transition Plan,” Maj. Gen. Okello said, while commending AMISOM troops for their contribution to pacify Somalia. “Everybody is focusing on the Somali Transition Plan. What does it mean? It means transitioning of security from AMISOM to Somalis. A lot of success has been registered, we congratulate you and ask you to continue,” he added.

Earlier, the delegation met with the AMISOM leadership who included the Head of Mission Support, Maj. Gen. Fidza Dludlu, the Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Maj. Gen. Nakibus Lakara, and received briefings from the AMISOM military, police, and civilian components.

On Monday, the assessment mission moves to Kenya to check on the status of injured AMISOM soldiers who are admitted and receiving specialised care in various Kenyan hospitals.