6th April,2018
AFRICAN UNION UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
Distinguished members of press, senior AMISOM colleagues, ladies and
gentlemen,
1. As you are all aware, we are going through difficult political
challenges. The Lower House of the Somali Parliament also known
as the house of the People, is now divided into two factions
opposing each other.
2. This standoff culminated in a political and security situation last
Wednesday, leading to the intervention of Amisom Forces working in
support of, and coordination with the Somali National Security
Forces to address the situation.
Distinguished members of the Press, Senior AMISOM colleagues
present, Ladies and gentlemen,
3. I am instructed by my most senior leaders in Addis Ababa to inform
you that the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is mandated
to work in support of the Somali Security Forces to provide security
to Somali National Institutions and that includes the Parliament.
The African Union Commission and AMisom respect the sovereignty
of the people of Somalia and recognize their rights and have full
confidence in the capacity of its Leadership to address the
challenges besetting their country including the current political
challenges that saw the Lower house of the parliament being split in
two. In this context, AMISOM has no mandate to impose on the
Somali people and, indeed, on the Parliament, the way they should
conduct their business. AMISOM will, therefore, not take control of
the House of the People unless the competent Somali authorities
request it to do so in full respect and within the parameters of
AMISOM mandate. In any case we are alert and on standby, ready to
come in support of Somalia in Parliament or elsewhere.
4. On behalf of the African Union commission, the entire AMISOM
family and on my own behalf, I wish to state that our views is that
the current political standoff is between two sides of members of
the Lower House of Parliament also known as the House of the
People.
5. AU and AMISOM recognize and respect the right of the Somali
Federal Parliament to determine when, where and how they
conduct their business. It is therefore not the responsibility of
AMISOM to determine where and how they should handle their
parliamentary activities.
6. I wish to further state, that the African Union, through AMISOM,
under the UN Security Council Resolution 2372(2017), is
implementing a phased and conditions-based transition of security
responsibilities to the Somali National Security Forces and the
current political crisis cannot, in any way influence or force
AMISOM to withdraw its forces. At no time we will unilaterally
abandon the friendly people of Somalia and we will, as we have so
far done, stand by them at all times until they tell us they are ready
to take over from us. Until then, we will continue to support the
Somali national security forces as they strive to ensure the safety
and security of their country and its institutions, including the
Parliament.
7. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is deeply concerned
with the security implications of Wednesday’s developments in
Parliament. I appeal to the Members of Parliament, legitimate
representatives of the people of Somalia, to continue to exercise
restraint as they strive to resolve the differences that oppose them.
8. I wish to thank the Somali National Army, the Somali Police Force,
AMISOM and other branches of Somalia national security forces for
the professional manner they were able to successfully contain the
situation, prevent violence and preserve peace during Wednesday’s
special siting of Parliament.
9. The African Union is here for all the people of Somalia. We will
continue to engage with all of you at all levels and support you as
you work to restore the glory of this great nation, put an end to
violence, bring a lasting peace to the country and build a better
future for each of its citizens. As we do so, our mandate does not
allow us to take sides with anyone of you because the African union
loves you all.
thank you
FAALLOOYIN & FALCELIN