Security Council Authorizes African Union to Maintain Mission’s Deployment in Somalia until 31 August, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2355 (2017)

The Security Council today decided to authorize member States of the African Union to maintain the deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 31 August.

Determining that the situation in Somalia remained a threat to international peace and security in the region, the 15-member Council unanimously adopted resolution 2355 (2017) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The Council also decided that the Mission would maintain its current maximum deployment level of 22,126 uniformed personnel.  It further authorized AMISOM to take all necessary measures in carrying out its mandate.

Among other tasks, AMISOM is mandated to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups, and to provide security for the political process in Somalia.

The meeting began at 10:07 a.m. and ended at 10:12 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 2355 (2017) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling all its previous resolutions and statements of its President concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular resolutions 2245 (2015) and 2297 (2016),

“Noting that the joint assessment mission of the African Union Mission in Somalia requested in paragraph 24 of resolution 2297 (2016) to ensure that AMISOM is properly configured to support the next phase of State-building in Somalia, and requested to present options and recommendations to the Security Council, has been delayed,

“Looking forward to the report of the joint assessment by 15 July 2017, recognizing the importance of adequate time to consider the recommendations of the report and in this regard, also recognizing the need for an extension to the authorization of AMISOM,

“Determining that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1.   Decides to authorize the Member States of the African Union to maintain the deployment of AMISOM until 31 August 2017, in line with the Security Council’s request to the African Union for a maximum level of 22,126 uniformed personnel, and authorizes AMISOM to take all necessary measures to carry out its mandate, as set out in paragraphs 4-7 of resolution 2297 (2016);

“2.   Requests the Secretary-General to continue to provide logistical support as set out in paragraph 2 of resolution 2245 (2015);

“3.   Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”