JUST IN: AU Commission Chair calls for stronger support, sustainable funding for Somalia Mission

Africa, Politics

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for stronger political and financial support for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), saying its future should be guided by clear strategic objectives.

Youssouf made the call on Wednesday while addressing an informal consultation of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the future of AUSSOM.

According to the AU Commission, the Chairperson stressed the need to strengthen support for the mission in order to reinforce African ownership of peace and security initiatives and promote sustainable financing for African-led peace support operations.

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He said the sacrifices made by troop-contributing countries should be honoured by safeguarding the security gains already achieved in Somalia through a mission that is sustainable, adaptable and fit for purpose.

Youssouf also called for the accelerated operationalisation of the African Union Peace Fund, the implementation of the AU’s 0.2 per cent import levy and increased financial contributions from member states to strengthen the continent’s peace and security architecture.

The consultation was chaired by Uganda in its capacity as Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council for July.