Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 6 January 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Tuesday, 6 January 2015 held consultations with her Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), H.E. Dr. Maman Sidikou.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Ambassador Maman Sidikou discussed ways of enhancing support for the AU Mission in Somalia, particularly following the 25 December 2014 attack against the Halane base camp of the AMISOM by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group).

“We felt bad about the attack, knowing how well AMISOM is doing,” the Chairperson said. She had, immediately after the incident, issued a statement in which she outrightly condemned the terrorist attack.

The Chairperson had also expressed her condolences for the victims of the attack, while saluting the courage and bravery of the AMISOM personnel and its leadership. Amb. Maman Sidikou confirmed that the Chairperson’s message was very well received by the staff of the Mission.

During the discussion with her Special Representative, the Chairperson raised the need to build a hall of remembrance, at AU Headquarters, in remembrance of all fallen AU peacekeepers, including those from other peacekeeping missions from the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and others.

“Peacekeepers contribution is unique to peace in Africa, and the rest of the world. Somalia had been written off, but it is back.” She added.

They also discussed ways of improving the AU’s support to the Government of Somalia notably by equipping AMISOM forces with professional such as those from the medical and engineering corps.

For further information contact
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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