ADDIS ABABA (SD) – African Union has warned its troops in Somalia against involving in partisan politics in Somalia barely five days after armed forces who supporting political rivals clashed in Somali capital.

Troop contributing countries have this week held virtual meeting chaired by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (C-PAPS).

The Meeting of the Coordination Committee (MOCC) was participated by Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda and officials from African Union in Somalia (Amisom).

In a communique issued after the conclusion of the meeting, Amisom troops were asked to remain neutral in order to effectively facilitate the demilitarisation of Mogadishu and environs.

During the meeting, Amisom agreed to continue to monitor closely the unfolding political and security situation in Somalia, with the technical backstopping by the AU Commission.

The meeting commended Amisom and its troop and police contributing countries (T/PCCs) for their sacrifices and continued vigilance.

 The mission was requested that the contingency plans developed by the Mission be constantly revised to take into account the rapidly evolving situation.

Participants also requested that AMISOM take the necessary steps to ensure that the capabilities exist to allow for rapid implementation of the contingency plans. 

The AU Commissioner expressed sincere appreciation to the troop and police contributing countries for their steadfast commitment to the overall peace and stability of Somalia through their long service to AMISOM.