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UNITED NATIONS, July 31 (Xinhua) – The UN
Security Council on Monday adopted resolution to re-authorize deployment
from the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission to Somalia until May 31, 2019.
Resolution 2431, which received unanimous approval
of the 15 members of the Security Council, also decides to reduce the level of
uniformed staff of the AU mission, known as AMISOM, at 20,626 by 28 February
2019 and includes a minimum of 1,040 police personnel.
Resolution 2431 follows a resolution of May 15
who extended the mandate of AMISOM until 31 July 2018, in a
"Rotation" to allow the examination of a joint mission AU / ONU
complete evaluation of the mission. The resolution of 15 May envisaged a
reduction of uniformed AMISOM personnel to 20,626 by 30 October 2018.
Swedish Ambbadador to the United Nations Olof
Skoog, whose country holds the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July, declared
before the vote on the draft resolution on Monday that the withdrawal of troops
was delayed, but the new timetable was in line with UN recommendations
Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
British Ambbadador to the United Nations Karen
Pierce, whose country sponsored the resolution, said: "The resolution
allows a delay in the transition of AMISOM precisely so that there is
enough time and space for Somalis to put their house in order
It will also allow AMISOM to prepare itself properly
for the transition. "AMISOM provides critical space in Somalia
gets its own security forces at full capacity, and we hope that this will be
continues, "she told reporters before the vote.
Resolution 2431 specifically notes that
there should be no further delay in reducing the level of
AMISOM staff beyond 28 February 2019.
Resolution expresses security
The intention of the Council to consider further reductions of staff in
security conditions and Somali capabilities and capabilities allow, in accordance with
the goal of Somali security institutions leading security responsibility through
December 2021.
Resolution 2431 emphasizes that the long term
objective is for Somali institutions and security forces to fully badume
responsibility for the security of Somalia and recognizes that AMISOM
critical for security during this transition.
Aside from the gradual transfer of security
responsibilities to Somali security forces, strategic objectives of AMISOM
also include fighting al-Shabaab and other opposition armed groups,
and the provision of security for the political process in the country,
according to the resolution. AMISOM was established by the AU in January 2007.
Its mandate has been approved by the UN
Security Council.
GNA
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