The Security Council today called for a 50 per cent increase to 12,000 troops in the United Nations-backed African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia, which has been trying to bring stability to a country torn apart by 20 years of factional fighting.
In a unanimous resolution authorizing deployment of the AU mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 30 September 2011, the 15-member body called on Member States and international organizations to contribute funds and equipment “generously and promptly” to enable the force to fulfil a mandate that ranges from restoring peace to helping the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) develop national security and police forces.
It asks Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to provide UN logistical support to the enlarged force with equipment and services, while continuing his good offices for reconciliation in a country where Al Shabaab, other Islamist militias, factional groups and foreign fighters control vast tracts of territory in a fight to oust the internationally recognized TFG, based in Mogadishu, the capital.
Caalamow soomaaliyaa maad iska deysaan
