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The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2628 has authorized the African Union Peace and Security Council to reconfigure AMISOM and replace it with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with effect from 1 April 2022.
Home ›› Press Statements ›› Remarks by Amb. Francisco Caetano Josè Madeira, AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM at the extra-ordinary meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority for development on Somalia on 30 January 2016 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR FRANCISCO CAETANO JOSÉ MADEIRA, AFRICAN UNION SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOMALIA AND HEAD OF AMISOM AT THE EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY FOR DEVELOPMENT ON SOMALIA ON 30 JANUARY 2016 IN ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIA

Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I am honored to make these remarks before you so early into my tenure as the Special Representative of the African Union Chairperson (SRCC) and the Head of AMISOM.

Excellences,

Barely two weeks ago, the AMISOM El Adde camp in Gedo region came under a deadly attack. This attack, and the tragic attack on civilians at a the Lido beach restaurant, underline the continuing threat Somalia continues to face in the campaign against terrorism, where our gallant officers and soldiers have paid the ultimate price in the quest to bring peace and stability to Somalia.

I pay tribute to all AMISOM uniformed personnel who continue to demonstrate unwavering commitment and professionalism in the effort to degrade the capacity and capability of al-Shabaab.

On behalf of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of our fallen heroes who have lost their lives in the collective pursuit of peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia.

I also pay tribute to the commitment of the Troop and Police Contributing Countries, most of whom are IGAD members, who have consistently demonstrated their resolve to stay the course in Somalia in order to ensure that peace and stability reigns.

Excellences, 

AMISOM’s efforts in Somalia have borne fruit. You will recall that the IGAD Council held its 53rd Extraordinary Session on Somalia in Mogadishu, Somalia on the 10th January 2015. Indeed the possibility of holding the Council’s Session in Somalia is in itself an indication of the significant strides that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), AMISOM and international community have in bringing peace to Somalia.

Whilst there have been immense political and security gains, it is also very clear that a lot remains to be done in order to safeguard these advances.

In the interest of time, allow me to highlight five points for your consideration for AMISOM to continue to discharge its mandated responsibilities in Somalia;

First, We should all recognize and focus our efforts in standing up a capable, legitimate and inclusive Somali National Army. This remains central not only in the conduct of joint operations, but also in taking over security functions in recovered areas to facilitate continued offensive operations. For this to be realized, we need better coordination between all partners supporting the Somali security forces as well as the resourcing of the governments Guulwade plan. This is critical for the realization of AMISOM’s mandate in Somalia and its subsequent exit strategy.

Second, I would like to stress that better coordination between the multiplicity of partners and specifically between AMISOM, UNSOS and UNSOM is vital.

Third, the provision of additional enablers remains central to AMISOM’s operations. A number of IGAD member states have pledged these assets, but their deployment is plagued by administrative issues. I assure you that the deployment of these assets; would shape the battle field and boost the operational tempo of AMISOM.

Fourth, a recurring theme of AMISOM discussion over the last few years has been the need to improve coordination and communication between the various AMISOM Contingents and the Force and Mission Headquarters. The TCC summit is expected to tackle this amongst other issues such as command and control, provision of additional enablers and sustainable funding for AMISOM.

Which leads me to my final point; as you are all aware the European Union made the decision to cut the allowances to the uniformed personnel of the Mission by 20%, starting in January 2016. This measure will no doubt affect the personnel who are making the ultimate sacrifice in service of Africa, especially now, when more is expected of AMISOM. It is my view that we should pursue various funding mechanisms to sustain the current support for AMISOM.

Excellences,

I once again thank you and commend the countries of the region, who have through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, remained actively engaged in the efforts to achieve peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia.