Synopsis
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has urged the international community to provide funding for stabilization efforts in Somalia, emphasizing the country's critical situation and the need for ongoing support to combat al-Shabaab and promote peace.Key Takeaways
- The African Union Commission's new Chairperson urges international funding for Somalia.
- There are significant funding shortfalls for the AU mission in Somalia.
- Ongoing support is essential in the fight against al-Shabaab.
- Somalia's stability benefits both its citizens and the international community.
- International collaboration is crucial to overcoming challenges in Somalia.
Mogadishu, March 26 (NationPress) The newly-elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has made a plea to the global community for funding aimed at stabilizing efforts in Somalia.
Youssouf, who has recently concluded his inaugural visit to Somalia since assuming office, pointed out significant funding deficiencies for the African Union (AU) Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia. He called for a renewed dedication to the nation's peace and stabilization initiatives, as stated by the AU mission in a declaration from Mogadishu.
"I have commenced discussions at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa with some of our partners to ensure that Somalia is not left behind. Somalia continues to be a focal point for the international community," he remarked.
Youssouf committed to collaborating with Somalia's international allies and stressed the necessity of ongoing support for Somalia in its struggle against the militant group al-Shabaab.
During a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Youssouf noted that the AU peace mission in Somalia is currently in a transitional phase.
"I want to emphasize that these challenges can be surmounted. However, we require commitment, engagement, and the backing of the international community," he stated.
He indicated that now is not the time to withdraw from Somalia, asserting that the stability and security of Somalia are beneficial not only for its citizens but for the global community as a whole, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He also underscored the vital role of international assistance in curbing piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Guardafui Channel, and the Somali Sea.
The Somali President expressed hope in overcoming the hurdles facing the AU peace mission through collaboration with the new AU Commission leadership, stating that Somalia has demonstrated success and served as a valuable case study for the AU in addressing African challenges with African solutions.
"This has been validated as a reality and is achievable. Africa can resolve its own dilemmas, certainly with the help of the international community," he added.
The acting special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan, reiterated the UN's commitment to ongoing cooperation with the African Union, asserting that the AU peace mission in Somalia is essential.
"It plays a crucial role not only in supporting but also in encouraging Somali forces at this critical juncture, and this effort must persist," Swan concluded.
