The Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson for Somalia, (SRCC), Ambassador Francisco Madeira today made his inaugural visit Baidoa, the capital of Interim Southwest Administration (ISWA) since his appointment as head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
SRCC Madeira held meetings with ISWA leadership to formally present himself to President Shariff Hassan Sheikh Adan and discuss matters of mutual interest.
In his brief to the media after the meeting, SRCC Madeira stated that discussions largely focused on security and inter-agency cooperation between AMISOM and ISWA security structures.
“I came here today to formally present myself as the Head of AMISOM to ISWA President Shariff Hassan Sheikh Adan. Secondly, I held meetings with the President, Sector Commander and heads of various security structures to identify progress made on security, challenges on the same and what needs to be done,” said the SRCC.
He added, “We also discussed training of SNA, logistical support, the need to carry out joint operations to de-mine the roads, flush out and degrade Al Shabaab, and how to implement these plans. There are challenges to such missions and we will engage the Federal Government and the international community”.
He further noted that during the discussions, enhanced cooperation between AMISOM, SNA, and ISWA Police among other security structures were underscored.
On his part, ISWA President Shariff Hassan reiterated pointers raised by the SRCC while thanking AMISOM for its continued support to the Somali people.
“Today, SRCC visited us here in Baidoa, we discussed many issues among them security, and specifically, securing and de-mining of roads, removing and degrading Al Shabaab from the remaining districts under their control and training of Somali forces. We are very grateful for the support from AMISOM and we hope they will successfully complete their mission”, said the President.
Baidoa is clustered under Sector III of AMISOM areas of operation in Somalia, secured by AMISOM Ethiopian National Defence Forces.
