The Foriegn ministers and defense officials from Troop Contributing Countries to African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) meeting was concluded on Thursday in Uganda’s capital Kampala ahead of the heads of State Summit on Friday.
The meeting which was attended by delegates from Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti and Ethiopia has reviewed the progresses achieved by the mission and obstacles faced it.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Devid Muhoozi who chaired the meeting said AMISOM and Somali forces had liberated 80% the areas formerly controlled by Al-Shabab fighters.
“The troops of Somalia and AMISOM have defeated Al-shabab in many battles which led Al-shabaab to flee from many towns and villages. Now forces control over 80% areas in South and central of the country,” Muhoozi told the delegates.
For his part his part, Somali State minister for foreign Affairs, Abdulkadir Ahmed Kheyre commended the countries contributed to AMISOM for the efforts to help Somalia.
“Somalia will never forget your efforts. We have passed long way to come at stage. Today We are close to achieve all our goals, Somali government now has soldiers who are fighting alongside their AMISOM colleagues, without your help, nothing would reached this stage,” said Kheyre.
The participants of the summit have commended Somali government for efforts to solve disputes and restore peace across the country.
The meeting pointed out that Somalia had made progress in settling internal political disputes including Galmudug and Ahlusunna.
The officials called on the UN, European Union (EU), United States and other international donors to support AMISOM and Somalia in the fight against Al-shabab.
Discussion about this post