AU Commission chair Mahamoud makes first official visit to Somalia, discusses security and regional stability
The Somalia National News Agency (SONNA) later said the two leaders discussed counterterrorism, regional stability, and Somalia’s commitment to AU reforms.
Somalia on Sunday rolled the red carpet for new African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and his delegation in his maiden visit. This is the first official visit since his election in mid-February aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Somalia and the African Union as well as discussing security and regional peace and development with his host, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The Chairperson was received by Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama. He inspected a guard of honour mounted on his honour by the Somali National Army after which he was whisked away for a close-door meeting with President Hassan at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu.
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The Somalia National News Agency (SONNA) later said the two leaders discussed counterterrorism, regional stability, and Somalia’s commitment to AU reforms.
The African Union has more than 11,000 forces in Somalia serving under its African Union Stabilisation and Support Mission (AUSSOM). These forces are drawn from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. AUSSOM also has police and civilian components.
President Hassan thanked the Chairperson for choosing Somalia as his first visit after his election and promised him their unwavering support to the AU and during his reign as Chairperson.
“I want to invite our brother the chairperson of the AU Commission Mahamoud Ali Youssouf who on his first state visit after his election chose to visit Somalia as his first country out of all the 54 AU States. We thank and welcome him to Mogadishu,” President Hassan said while addressing a joint Press Conference held with the AU Chairperson after a closed-door meeting.
The President said Somalia and the AU enjoy cordial relations and thanked the continental body for its sacrifices in bringing peace and stability to Somalia. He said the AU's efforts in helping bring back peace to Somalia are appreciated and will never be forgotten by the Somali people.
“Since 2007 when the terrorists threatened the stability of Somalia, the AU deployed its forces to help Somalia. Since then, our African brothers have shed their blood for our peace to help Somalia stand on its feet. We recognise their sacrifice and their help, and we can never thank them enough,” he added.
Mahamoud thanked the President for the warm welcome and said choosing Somalia as the country to visit since his election is largely to repay it for its role in fostering peace and stability in Africa as well as President Hassan's unwavering support to the AU, and particularly his election as Chairperson.
“To come to Somalia on my first State visit is a way to share our appreciation and show how we value it. The President and his government are playing a big role in restoring peace and they are doing well in the fight against terror to return Somalia’s reputation,” he said.
He added that Somalia has come from far and today the country is part of regional and international reputable entities and is leading in the war against terrorism. He said Somalia has managed to achieve all that in a short span and acknowledged President Hassan's leadership role in the achievements made thus far.
“Today Somalia is part of the UN Security Council, which is a big honour and achievement. That fete came because of strong diplomatic efforts by the government. Somalia is part of the East African Community. Thank you and please continue to do the good work and we as the African Union will continue to support and stand with you,” he added.
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