Secretary-General hails dedication, courage of African Union Mission in Somalia

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General takes note of the decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council on 22 December 2008 to extend the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for an additional two months.  He commends the dedication and courage shown by AMISOM personnel in providing security and humanitarian relief in Somalia, despite the numerous challenges.  He is encouraged by the readiness of the Governments of Uganda and Burundi to contribute one additional battalion each, and the pledge by Nigeria to deploy a battalion.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call upon Member States to provide financial and logistical support to the existing AMISOM troops in Somalia, and for the deployment of additional contingents.

The Secretary-General reaffirms his full support for the Djibouti Agreement of 19 August 2008.  He calls upon all parties that have not yet done so to join the Djibouti peace process.

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For information media • not an official record