A special envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Abdoulaye Diop, arrived in Somalia today to hold talks with the leadership of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Federal Government of Somalia.
“The AU Chairperson sent me as his special envoy. I am here to express solidarity with the Government and people of Somalia,” Ambassador Diop, said during a meeting with the Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Madeira.
Ambassador Diop who also serves as Chief of Staff to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, will spend two days in Somalia evaluating the work of AMISOM with a view of scaling up support.
Upon arrival, Ambassador Diop met with AMISOM staff from the civilian, military, and police components who briefed him on the mission’s programmes and activities.
The envoy saluted Ambassador Madeira and the entire AMISOM team for the exemplary contributions to peace and security in Somalia.
“I am pleased to have this opportunity, my first visit to Somalia and interaction with all the components of AMISOM,” said Ambassador Abdoulaye.
He hailed the Federal Government of Somalia for the tremendous progress made in the country, and he pledged continued support of the African Union Commission and the Chairperson.
“The AU appreciates the progress made in Somalia and as a union, we will do our best to support the efforts of the government,” he added.
Ambassador Diop visited the AMISOM Force Headquarters where he paid tribute to the African Union troops and the Somali security forces that have died in the pursuit of peace and stability in Somalia.
“They paid the highest price for peace to prevail in a sensitive and strategic region of Africa,” Ambassador Diop said after laying a wreath at the monument in honour of the fallen troops.
Source: AMISOM
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