PSC/PR/COMM.2(DXCV)
Page 2
6.
Recalls the declaration adopted by the AMISOM T/PCCs Summit held in February 2016,
in Djibouti, with regard to enhancing AMISOM operations;
7.
Further recalls the pledges made by Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda to deploy air assets for
AMISOM operations, and notes with satisfaction the progress made in the negotiations with
Ethiopia and Kenya in the deployment of the air assets. In this respect, Council requests the
Commission to expedite consultations with Uganda concerning the latter’s pledged air assets.
Council also expresses concern about the delay in processing the Letters of Assist (LOAs)
required to pave way for the acquisition and deployment of the earmarked air assets for
AMISOM operations. Council requests the UN Office Support for AMISOM (UNSOA) to expedite
the conclusion of negotiations for the LOAs with the Commission and Ethiopia, Kenya and
Uganda;
8.
Reiterates the primary responsibility of the Somalia National Security Force (SNSF) for
eventually taking over security functions in Somalia. In this respect, Council appreciates the
ongoing joint operations between AMISOM and SNA, and the training of the SNA by the various
actors, all aimed at building the capacity of SNA. Council, however, calls for coordination of
these efforts with the leadership of the Commission;
9.
Supports the call for multi-sectoral approach in supporting the Somali electoral process
and calls for better coordination, as well as more international financial and technical support
towards the process;
10.
Decides to renew the mandate of AMISOM until 30 May 2017, bearing in mind
paragraph 27 of communiqué (PSC/PR/COMM.1(DLXII)) adopted at its 562nd meeting held on
10 December 2015, as well as the decision of the UN Security Council, as contained in
paragraph 3 of resolution 2232(2015) of 28 July 2015, to authorize the Member States of the
AU to maintain the deployment of AMISOM until 30 May 2016, for a maximum level of 22,126
uniformed personnel, and as part of an overall exit strategy for AMISOM. In this respect,
Council directs the Commission to take all necessary measures for the enhancement of
AMISOM’s operational effectiveness, including through the review of the Mission’s Concept of
Operations, to better align it with the security environment, as well as with the necessity for
renewed offensive operations against Al Shabaab in Somalia;
11.
Regrets once again the decision by the European Union (EU) to cut the AMISOM Troop
allowances by 20%. In this respect, Council appeals to the EU to reconsider this decision, taking
into account the critical phase in AMISOM operations, within the context of the upcoming
elections in Somalia;
12.
Looks forward to the holding of the next meeting of the Military Operations
Coordination Committee (MOCC) planned for 9 May 2016 in Addis Ababa, in order to resolve all
outstanding operational issues, including Command and Control, as well as the appointment of
the AMISOM Force Commander;