Francisco Madeira head of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has lauded the Somali security forces for carrying out recent offensives to liberate areas in the Lower Shabelle region.
Speaking at closing meeting on AMISOM exit plan in Mogadishu, Madeira said Somali military sacrificed the lives to defeat al-Shabaab.
“This commitment shows that Somalia wants to move forward despite existing challenges. The work of their national forces deserves increased support,” Madeira said.
Madeira commended the Somali government and international partners for supporting AMISOM to fulfill its mandate.
“I recognize the role our partners are playing in training and creating the conditions necessary for operations to take place,” he stated.
He affirmed that AMISOM is implementing the Somali Transition Plan and the AMISOM exit strategy.
“The progress made so far indicates that we are on track in executing our mandate,” he said.
Under the transition plan, the AU mission will transfer security responsibility to Somali security forces ahead of AMISOM exit in 2021.
