KISMAYO Somalia, March 15, 2016
On Sunday 13th March 2016, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Francisco Madeira landed in Kismayo, Somalia where he held a lengthy discussion with Interim Jubba Administration officials and AMISOM sector commanders on matters security and stabilizing Jubbaland.
The close-door security talks were attended by Interim Jubba Administration President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe.
The meeting focused on how AMISOM troops will sustain the battle against the Al Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab in areas under their control and AU troops will ensure liberated areas/towns are stabilized.
Sector commanders took time to brief Ambassador Madeira on the status if security in the regions under their command.
SRCC described the meeting as a success citing IJA wishes security to be reinforced saying the same was discussed in the recent concluded meeting of the heads of state from Troop Contributing Countries in Djibouti who pledged to reinforce military operations in Somalia to effectively counter Al Shabaab.
Djibouti summit resolved to strengthen SNA and stabilize the newly liberated areas/towns in 2016.
On his part IJA President Madobe thanked the SRCC for visiting Kismayo saying his administration was ready to work with AMISOM to defeat Al Shabaab, whose aim was to destabilize Somalia.
“Jubbaland is ready for the operation against Al Shabaab. We are ready to work with the Somali National Army and Jubbaland forces will play a key role in the operation against the militants. It is a matter that we must be involved in and ensure we work hard together to defeat Al Shabaab in their remaining strongholds in Jubbaland region. This will help us achieve peace and political stability,”— Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe IJA President.
