PSC/PR/COMM.2(DXCV)
Page 1
COMMUNIQUÉ
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 595th meeting held
in Addis Ababa, on 28 April 2016, adopted the following decision on the situation in Somalia
and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM):
Council,
1.
Takes note of the briefing provided by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of
the Commission and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, on the situation in
Somalia. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of Somalia, and
by Ethiopia in its capacity as the Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development
(IGAD), as well as by that of the United Nations;
2.
Welcomes the progress being made by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)
towards the realization of Vision 2016 and encourages the FGS to intensify efforts aimed at
resolving the outstanding issues relating to the electoral model. In this regard, Council further
encourages the Somali stakeholders to forge ahead towards the parliamentary and presidential
elections in an inclusive manner. Accordingly, Council commends the Somali leadership for
reserving 30% of the seats in Parliament for women, thus enhancing the involvement of women
in decision-making in furtherance of peace in the country;
3.
Reaffirms AU’s full support to the FGS and reiterates its commitment to continue
assisting the FGS in its preparation for elections. Council therefore urges the AU Commission to
deploy an electoral observation mission, in order to ensure follow-up and organisation of free,
fair, credible and transparent elections in Somalia by August 2016;
4.
Pays tribute to all the AMISOM personnel, as well as to the Troop and Police
Contributing Countries (T/PCCs), namely Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and
Uganda, for their continued commitment and the sacrifices made thus far. Council re-affirms its
resolve to continue supporting AMISOM uniform and civilian personnel to uphold the highest
standard of conduct and discipline in the discharge of their mandate and stresses that, in cases
of actual or alleged violations, appropriate measures shall be taken in line with the AU Zero
Tolerance Policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and other forms of misconduct;
5.
Welcomes the gains made in the consolidation and expansion operations across Somalia
through joint operations conducted by AMISOM and Somalia National Army (SNA), and notes
with concern that Al Shaabab still retains the capability to conduct asymmetrical operations in
Somalia, and continue to be a threat to peace, security and stability in the region. In this
respect, Council reiterates its call for the provision and deployment of force enablers and
multipliers to bolster AMISOM’s capacity to contain Al Shabaab and ensure effective security
for the forthcoming elections;