PSC/PR/COMM.(DCCLIII) Page 3 5. Applauds the initiatives and leadership role demonstrated by IGAD in its engagement in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict in Somalia. 6. Pays tribute to the commitment exhibited by AMISOM Troop/Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) and in particular to AMISOM personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and have sustained injuries while in the search for lasting peace and stability in Somalia. In that regard, Council urges AMISOM personnel to persevere until Al Shabaab is completely defeated; 7. Welcomes the merger between the Galmudug Regional State and Ahlu Sunnah wa Jamah (ASWJ) to form a joint administration and security force, following the power-sharing agreement signed in December 2017. However, Council notes with deep concern the tensions and military build-up between Puntland and Somaliland, which raises the risk of armed conflict, if not deescalated; 8. Stresses the need for timely commencement of the Operational Readiness Assessment of regional forces, in order to accelerate discussions on the integration of regional forces into the SNSF and support the identification of SNSF elements responsible for the Somalia Transition Plan; 9. Condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the continued terrorist attacks being perpetuated by the Al Shabaab terrorist group, and calls for redoubling of efforts in order to defeat the terrorist group. 10. Notes the security improvement in Somalia and welcomes the progress made to date in the fight against the al-Shabaab terrorist group. In this regard, Council reiterates that defeating Al-Shabaab requires the long-term stabilization of Somalia through a functional and accountable government at all levels. In this regard, Council underscores the importance of implementing the Juba Valley Corridor Operational Plan, in order to facilitate the neutralization of Al-Shabaab in Jamane, Jilib, Buuale and Sakow, setting conditions for SNSF control of Jubaland; 11. Commends the efforts towards the development of the Somalia Transition Plan, and calls for its timely completion by end March 2018. Council reiterates the need for stabilization activities and the need for supporting the SNSF, with a view to ensuring that it has the necessary capacity to takeover of security responsibilities of the country. In this regard, Council underscores the importance of a coherent and comprehensive approach towards the transition process in Somalia; 12. Underscores the dual and mutually reinforcing objectives of addressing AMISOM’s funding gaps and financing the SNSF to take-over from AMISOM the primary responsibility in the security of the country and emphasizes that further success on the security institutions in Somalia cannot be achieved without sufficient progress on the political process. In this regard, Council underlines the need for the AU to further strengthen its political and strategic relationship with the FGS and the FMS in support of accelerated progress on Somalia’s path towards peace and stability;