PSC/PR/BR(CLXXI) Page 1 PRESS STATEMENT OF THE 171st MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL ON THE ATTACK AGAINST THE AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SOMALIA (AMISOM) The Peace and Security Council of the African Union, at its 171th meeting, held today as an emergency, 23 February 2009, was briefed by the Commission as well as by the representative of Somalia on the deadly attacks of 22 February 2009 against the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which resulted in the killing of eleven (11) and the serious wounding of seventeen (17) others in the Burundian contingent. Council expressed outrage at this despicable and heinous act perpetrated by extremist elements seeking to undermine the ongoing efforts towards peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia, and whose only response to the plight of their people is more violence and destruction. Council strongly condemned this terrorist act and demanded that appropriate measures be taken to identify and bring to justice the authors of this attack. Council expressed its deep condolences to the families of the brave men and women who lost their lives at the service of Africa, as well as to the Government of Burundi. Council paid tribute to the Burundian and Ugandan contingents for their dedication and sacrifice towards the promotion of peace and reconciliation in Somalia. Council expressed, once more, its appreciation to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda for their determination and commitment to pursue and reinforce their presence in AMISOM for the restoration of peace in Somalia. Council reiterated its full support to the Transitional Federal Institutions of Somalia (TFIs), as well as to the efforts being made under the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations to fully implement the provisions of the Djibouti and other subsequent Agreements aimed at bringing about lasting peace and reconciliation in Somalia. Council renewed its appeal to the United Nations to accelerate the implementation of support package to AMISOM, in conformity with resolution 1863 (2009) as indicated in the letter of the Secretary General addressed to the Security Council. Council expressed the need for an urgent reassessment of the mandate and a multiform reinforcement of the capacity of AMISOM to enable it to adapt to the conditions on the ground and the new modus operandi of terrorist groups. Council, once again, called on members States to provide troops to AMISOM for it to reach its authorized strength to enable it face the daunting challenges facing it on the ground. Addis Ababa, 23 February 2009