The African Union Peace and Security Council has directed that troop-contributing countries (TCCs) in Somalia take on additional responsibilities to strengthen the fight against Al-Shabaab and support security in Somalia.
The decision follows a two-day ministerial meeting held in a remote mode, where an official briefing was given on the security situation in Somalia and the progress of the African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
“The Council commends countries that have specifically contributed additional troops to Somalia in response to the current security situation, and urges those that have not yet done so to do so as soon as possible,” the Council said in a statement.
The Council also directed the African Union Executive Committee to submit within six weeks a new assessment of the mission’s needs, particularly in terms of logistical support and aircraft, for submission to the United Nations Security Council.
This is part of efforts to continue to secure logistical support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
Meanwhile, the Council also requested the African Union Commission, in coordination with the United Nations, to finalize plans for the entry of Egyptian troops and the withdrawal of Burundian troops.
This new information comes at a time when Somalia is facing a critical security juncture, with large-scale operations underway to eliminate terrorist groups.
