The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has kicked off plans to gradually reduce the number of troops deployed in the Horn of African nation.
AMISOM’s senior commanders have resolved to place emphasis on talks that will enable the force to achieve its agenda of complete pacification of Somalia, with a transition plan in force.
In a statement issued on Sunday at the end of a commanders’ meeting in Mogadishu, the AU said it would assess the progress made so far in the transition plans, to enable it plan more effectively.
“There is need to continually discuss in details how ready AMISOM is, in terms of manpower and logistics, in executing these tasks (training and operations), in the sectors, putting into consideration the operational readiness and the strength of Somali security forces to support the above tasks,” AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire said.
Resolutions by the commanders will be incorporated into the AU Mission’s Concept of Operations (CONOPS), which guides AMISOM’s military operations.
Lt. Gen. Owoyesigire also called for more support for AMISOM’s cause if the gains achieved are to last even after the troops pull out.
“If the transition plan is to be realistic, without losing our hard-earned gains, AMISOM needs to be urgently supported with force multipliers, like attack and retreat helicopters, to conduct pre-emptive operations against Al-Shabaab,” he said.
The UN Security Council in August 2017 approved the reduction of troops to a maximum 21,626 by 31 December 2017 ahead of the transition of responsibilities to Somali security forces, also extending the force’s mandate until 31 May 2018.
