Kenyan and Ethiopian leaders, Uhuru Kenyatta and Abiy Ahmed respectively pledged to support Somalia’s peace restoration process.
In a communiqué issued after the two leaders took lengthy talks on bilateral relations, trade and the security of the region, the leaders vowed to put more efforts in the initiatives to stabilize Somalia.
“In this regard, the two leaders committed to continue lobbying for adequate and sustainable support to AMISOM, including provision of force multipliers for the mission in Somalia, as well as training for the Somalia security forces.
The leaders expressed deep concern at the effects of external interests that are aimed at further destabilizing Somalia,” reads the communiqué in part.
They highlighted the continued potency of Al-Shabab and lack of support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
“Both leaders noted that Al Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to Somalia and the region. In this regard, they expressed concern at the continued lukewarm international support for Somalia, in particular, the inadequate and unpredictable funding for AMISOM, which poses a threat to gains made thus far,” the communiqué affirmed.
The leaders also agreed to support the process to secure peace in South Sudan which experiencing civil war since 2012.
“The two leaders expressed their deep disappointment at the slow pace of progress in ongoing efforts to restore peace in South Sudan. In pledging their full commitment to the IGAD’s mediation efforts they urged the leaders of South Sudan to place the interests of their people above their own in order to give peace a chance,” it said.
Ethiopian PM, Ahmed has concluded a two-day state visit to Kenya. This is his third visit since April when he took office.
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