Amisom: We’re Leaving Somalia In 2016
The joint African peace keeping force in Somalia AMISOM, have expressed hope to march out of the war-torn nation in the next two years.
The Mission which was pioneered by the Ugandan and Burundian national forces in 2007 says much groundwork has been done for the Somalis to take charge of their nation.
Since 1991, Somalia has been at war with the Al-Qaida – linked Alshabaab Islamist militants, which remain a major regional threat as well.
Speaking Wednesday during a training course for top command of Somali army on humanitarian law in Kampala, the AU special representative to the Mission, Hon Lydia Wanyoto, said a few errands are left to fully pacify the nation and prepare for self governance.
“Our road-map says we are leaving Somalia in 2016. We are positive that is possible because a lot of work has been done,” said Wanyoto.
“We have liberated the key cities of Mogadishu, Kismayo and other towns which used to be strong supply routes for the Alshabaab.”
She added: “Our target is to get the Alshabaab off the waters, to kill off the terrorists’ supply routes, and frustrate their recruitment agenda.”
Wanyoto says that since the mission’s advent in the country, relative peace has been restored and that a functional government is ready to take over.
“You realize that Somalia now has its own parliament, a president and national constitution. Many nationals have been returning home, and the number of Somali refugees has gone down in neighbouring countries.”
As AMISOM prepares to evacuate Somalia, Wanyoto notes, they are also focusing greatly on training and equipping local institutions and agencies so that by 2016, they are ready to take on the mantle of guarding their nation from extremist forces
