Secretary-General Welcomes Security Council’s Decision to Endorse Military

 

Expansion, Boost Financial Footing of African Mission in Somalia

 

The following statement was issued on 22 February by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the decision of the Security Council to endorse the expansion of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to 17,731 uniformed personnel, as well as to put AMISOM on a sound financial footing through the enhancement of the United Nations Logistical Support Package.

An expanded AMISOM is critical as it provides support tothe Transitional Federal Government in extending its authority across a wider area of southern and central Somalia, as well as to significantly degrade the insurgency’s military capability across the country.

The Secretary-General also underlines that military gains need to be consolidated through continued progress by Somalia’s political leaders in the implementation of the road map for ending the transition, which is the basis for lasting peace and stability in Somalia.  He looks forward to tomorrow’s London Conference on Somalia as an opportunity to strengthen international efforts in support of peace and stability in Somalia.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record