The African Union (AU) Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has called on the feuding parties in Kismayo to immediately end the fighting.
Ambassador Annadif notes that while the overall situation in Somalia continues to evolve positively, the country nonetheless remains confronted with serious challenges which require the utmost attention of its political, religious and community leaders at all levels.
'The Somali people and leaders must necessarily capitalize on the security gains made by AMISOM, the Somali security forces and their allies, to further peace and prosperity. They must seize this opportune moment to bring to an end the political disputes that complicates the process of stabilizing Somalia,' states Ambassador Annadif.
'I welcome the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) initiatives to engage regional authorities through outreach and dialogue, as informed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) national reconciliation and dialogue process. I urge the Somali leaders, particularly those in the Jubas and other regions to therefore demonstrate the required maturity and goodwill as their country grapples with the challenges of this new page in their history.'
The AMISOM, working with IGAD and other partners, remains committed to supporting ongoing efforts towards national reconciliation and unity, as well as the efforts to rebuild the armed forces and integrate the militias.
