STORY: AU Special Representative calls for urgent support

for Somalia as scale down of troops begins

DURATION: 3:29
SOURCE: AMISOM PUBLIC INFORMATION
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CREDIT REQUIRED: AMISOM PUBLIC INFORMATION
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH NATURAL SOUND
DATELINE: 07/NOVEMBER/2017, MOGADISHU, SOMALIA

SHOT LIST:

1. Med shot, The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union
Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira
2. Med shot, Journalists at the press briefing
3. Wide shot, Journalist at the press briefing
4. Close up shot, Journalist at the press briefing
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ambassador Francisco Madeira; Special Representative of
the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia
Troop movements have started in different parts of the country and will continue
for the coming weeks. This is a process of re-alignment to effect the reduction in
numbers and also begin the handover process of national security responsibility to
the Somali National Security Forces.
6. Wide shot, Soldiers of the Somali National Army marching
7. Wide shot, Somali National Army trucks
8. Wide shot, Somali National Army trucks
9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ambassador Francisco Madeira; Special Representative of
the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia
We must reiterate, however, the urgency for timely support for the Somali National
Security Forces. The forces urgently need to be equipped with necessary weapons,
key logistical support including timely payment of stipends, provision of quality
medical care, establishment of key infrastructure including barracks and training
centers among others.
10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ambassador Francisco Madeira; Special Representative
of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia
Every citizen has a role to play in this effort to ensure that Somalia is pacified and
freed from all elements of terror. It is important to note that security forces cannot
uproot Al-Shabaab from the communities if the residents do not play their part by
sharing the necessary information with the relevant security organs. These terrorists
hide in communities, manufacture and deploy explosives in heavily populated
civilian areas, work to disrupt government activities as seen from their numerous
attacks on SNA bases and police stations.
11. Wide shot, Journalist at the press briefing
12. Med shot, Journalists at the press briefing
13. SOUNDBITE: (English) The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the
African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira
We urge the civilian population to support this initiative by sharing information on
any suspicious elements and movements in their communities. AMISOM together
with the Somali National Security Forces can only enhance your security if you play
your role and denounce the terrorists.
14. SOUNDBITE: (English) The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the
African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira
The focus for AMISOM going forward is to continue strengthening the capacity of
the Somali National Army (SNA), the Somali Police Force (SPF) and all the Somali
security forces as we begin our transition. Training and mentorship through joint
operations will continue. AMISOM together with the SNA will engage in offensive
operations to ensure the security situation further improves.

AU Special Representative calls for urgent support for Somalia as scale down of
troops begins

Mogadishu, 7 November 2017 - The Special Representative of the Chairperson of

the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira,
has called for urgent and timely support for Somali National Security Forces (SNSF)
as the African Union begins to scale down its troops.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Mogadishu, the SRCC noted that timely and
well-coordinated support is necessary to consolidate the gains already made in the
country and enable SNSF assume full responsibility for the countrys security, once
the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) exits.

We must reiterate, however, the urgency for timely support for the Somali National
Security Forces. The forces urgently need to be equipped with necessary weapons,
key logistical support including timely payment of stipends, provision of quality
medical care, establishment of key infrastructure including barracks and training
centers among others, SRCC Madeira who is also Head of Mission stated.
He noted that AMISOM will reduce its troops by 1000 before the end of the year,
adding that realignment and redeployment of troops in all the sectors is ongoing.

Troop movements have started in different parts of the country and will continue
for the coming weeks. This is a process of realignment to effect the reduction in
numbers and also begin the handover process of national security responsibility to
the Somali National Security Forces, SRCC Madeira noted.

The AU Special Representative, however, emphasized that the drawdown will be

gradual and conditions-based to ensure the security of the country is not disrupted.

Commenting on the recent bombings, including the October 14 attack, in

Mogadishu, which killed more than 300 civilians, the SRCC urged the Somali public to
play their role in improving the countrys security by sharing information with the
security forces.
Every citizen has a role to play in this effort to ensure that Somalia is pacified and
freed from all elements of terror. It is important to note that security forces cannot
uproot Al-Shabaab from the communities if the residents do not play their part by
sharing the necessary information with the relevant security organs, Ambassador
Madeira observed.

The SRCC observed that AMISOM together with the Somali National Security Forces
can only enhance security if residents report, to the relevant authorities, suspicious
individuals and movements in their communities.

He also urged the public to support the efforts by the federal and state governments
to counter violent extremism, noting that Somalia was at a critical stage of transition
towards peace and security.

The SRCC reiterated AMISOMs commitment to support Somalia establish a strong

army and police force capable of securing and maintaining law and order in the
country.
The focus for AMISOM going forward is to continue strengthening the capacity of
the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Somali Police Force (SPF) as we begin the
drawdown. Training and mentorship through joint operations will continue,
Ambassador Madeira added.

The head of the Mission noted that AMISOM together with the SNA will continue
engaging in offensive operations to defeat Al-Shabaab and ensure the security
situation the country is improved.