African troops request mission extension in Somalia
The African Union has requested an extension for the deployment of its troops, known as AMISOM, in Somalia for another year.
The mission
extension, it says, is important for reining in the terrorist al-Shabaab
organization and ending its presence in the eastern African country.
This comes at a time
of growing presence for the terrorist organization in eastern Africa, where it
is more powerful than local arms and security agencies.
The Head of the
African Union's Peace and Security Council Ismail Shawqi said AMISOM's
continued presence in Somalia is necessary for maintaining the gains made in
the fight against al-Shabaab so far.
"We have to
guard these gains very closely," Shawqi said. "The troops of the
African Union, Somalia and African partners sacrificed their lives so that the
Somalis can enjoy the peace that was taken from them over the past 30
years."
Shawqi called for
support from the international community. He underlined the need for a smooth
and honest transition in Somalia.
"This is why the
council recommends the extension of the African Union mission in Somalia,"
Shawqi said.
The United Nations
Security Council will discuss the fate of the African Union mission in Somali
later this month.
The council will
likely extend the mission, opening the door for more cooperation between the
African Union troops and the Somali army.
This comes amid hopes
for eradicating al-Shabaab and ending its control over large parts of Somalia.
There are also hopes that the eastern African country would get rid of its
restive past and start a new chapter, amid fears that the Islamic State of Iraq
and Syria can be gaining a foothold in the country.
AMISOM was formed in
2007 to train local troops in Somalia and preserve peace in the country.
