Mogadishu, 20 November 2015: The African Union Mission in Somalia has expressed appreciation for the continued support from the European Union towards the implementation of its mandate. AMISOM made the remarks during a special breakfast meeting, held in Mogadishu for editors from Somali media organizations on Tuesday, 17 November 2015.

During the meeting, AMISOM briefed the Somali editors on support by the European Union (EU). So far EU support to AMISOM through the African Peace Facility (APF) has reached close to one billion Euros covering allowances for all AMISOM troops, salaries/allowances for the police component, international and local civilian staff, as well as operational costs of the mission’s civilian office in Nairobi.

The APF is the key EU financial instrument, supporting cooperation with Africa in the area of Peace and Security (Africa – EU Partnership).The EU decided to establish the Africa Peace Facility (APF) in December 2003 in order to respond to an African request to support it’s peace and security agenda, based on the recognition that peace is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.

The breakfast meeting also provided an opportunity for AMISOM to discuss with Somali editors the achievements that the mission has made over the years with support from the European Union and other key partners.

The achievements include gains on the security front where AU troops in conjunction with the Somali National Army have liberated several areas from the terror group Al-Shabaab, thereby enabling economic activities to flourish ; the political front where AMISOM has supported the Somali people during the political process that led to the ending of the Transitional Federal Government in 2012 ; and currently, activities towards the implementation of the 2016 political Roadmap, which will culminate in elections next year. AMISOM also continues with capacity building for the Somali Police Force through training and mentoring.

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Notes to Editors:

The APF’s financial support to AMISOM is an integral part of the EU’s comprehensive and long-term approach to support security and development efforts in Somalia. Last year alone, the EU through the APF supported AMISOM with up to 225 million Euros. This EU approach contains political, diplomatic, civilian, military, humanitarian and development dimensions. The APF is the key EU financial instrument to support cooperation with Africa in the area of Peace and Security (Africa – EU Partnership). The EU plays an active and important role through the African Peace Facility, among other international and national actors – like the UN and the US – in supporting the AUC in its efforts to bring security and stability in different regions in Africa. The AU has received significant support for AMISOM through the APF.

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For more information; Lt Col Paul Njuguna – Spokesperson, Gaffel Nkolokosa – Public Information Officer
(Somalia) +252 699 563 476 / +252 617 682 175 / +252 699 240 948 / +252 616 982 416;

(Nairobi) +254 728 701 222 / +254 700 333 415
Email: amisommediacentre@gmail.com  

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