The 9th session of the Joint Security Committee was convened in Mogadishu on 22 August 2011. The Committee was hosted by His Excellency, Prime Minister Abdiweli Ali who co-chaired with the SRSG, Dr Augustine Mahiga and the Deputy SRCC, Hon Wafula Wamunyinyi. In attendance were AMISOM, EU, LAS, Denmark, France, Japan, Sweden, UK, USA, as well as senior TFG Government Officials and Ministers. The Committee was updated and reviewed the current security and humanitarian situation in Mogadishu.
It was noted and acknowledged that the TFG and AMISOM operations have been decisive in restoring security to Mogadishu including forcing a withdrawal of Al-Shabaab from large sections of the capital. SRSG Mahiga, while welcoming the gains made in the security arena, also appealed for extensive and urgent information sharing on the operations of Al-Shabaab, its resources and capabilities as well future operational plans. The EU Representative reflected that the international community’s support to AMISOM was not simply about the eradication of Al-Shabaab, but includes the insecurity brought about by warlords and associated militia.
The Committee welcomed and acknowledged the support from the Government of Japan for strengthening the capability and capacity of the Somali Police Force. However it noted with serious concern the failures in procurement aspects and the writing of contracts as well as the overall delays in providing the urgently needed resources to the Somali Police Force. The Committee also noted that stipends, equipment and training for the SPF should be urgently addressed, especially by the United Nations.
The Committee recommended that the process of bidding for equipment and construction could involve local Somali companies where appropriate and possible. The Committee also stressed the need to expedite the rehabilitation of the police stations.
Following the discussions, the JSC noted that the TFG’s area of control had been expanded in Mogadishu and some other areas in Somalia. In particular, the JSC recognized the commendable efforts of AMISOM towards securing most of Mogadishu and thanked the troops from Uganda and Burundi for the support they have provided to TFG forces to force Al-Shabaab’s withdrawal from Mogadishu. The JSC further commended the support of all international partners actively engaged in the Somalia Security Sector Development and encouraged other international community members to contribute towards these efforts, especially to increase security for civilians in their areas of origin in order to reduce dependency on humanitarian assistance and to encourage food production.
In order to consolidate the laudable gains made in the past weeks, especially in Mogadishu, the JSC:
- Commended the TFG for the progress made in the revision of the National Security and Stabilization Plan (NSSP) following the retreat in Naivasha of August 2011 and urged its early implementation.
- Appealed for international community support on equipment and enablers including maritime and aerial capacity for AMISOM to enhance its operations in and beyond the newly recovered areas from Al-Shabaab.
- Once again expressed its appreciation for the generous offer made by the Japanese Government to Somalia to help the revitalization of the Somali Police Force. The JSC however expressed regret for the recurrent slow progress in the utilization of the Japanese fund despite the challenges presented by the situation in Somalia in terms of training needs, lack of equipment and over delayed payment of stipends for the Somali Police Force. The JSC appealed to all concerned to expedite action on
- procurement procedures, stipend payments and equipment requirements for the Somali Police Force.
- Encouraged OCHA to urgently hold a dialogue with the TFG on the use of security assets and on a solution to drought and famine to avoid promoting dependency on assistance. The JSC appealed for contingency plans to address the recurring drought.
- Discussed the TFG’s recently announced “State of Emergency” and the newly constituted “Task Force” and the role envisioned for it in terms of providing security (escorts and site protection) for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. It was noted that a number of humanitarian organizations do not want military involvement in the distribution of aid. His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Ali impressed upon the JSC that TFG support to humanitarian organizations in the delivery and distribution of assistance will be from the TFG national security services.
- Noted the increased responsibility shouldered by police in stabilizing the new areas and securing the IDP camps and the need for enhancing the Somali police force.
- Restated the urgent need to establish the Joint Security Committee Secretariat.
The Committee reviewed the outcomes of the National Security Stabilization Plan retreat held in Naivasha, Kenya on 12 – 16 August 2011. The Committee welcomed the work on the National Security and Stabilization Plan and noted that priority areas of the Plan will be reflected in the Roadmap to be presented at the Consultative Meeting on Ending the Transition to be held in Mogadishu on 4 – 5 September 2011. The Committee encouraged the drafters of the NSSP to expedite the completion of the revised draft and to consult with partners before its finalization.
The Prime Minister expressed his Government’s appreciation to the international community for providing assistance to the security sector and expressed his hope that more progress will be made in the stabilization of Mogadishu.
The JSC thanked the TFG, AMISOM and UNPOS for enabling this meeting to be held in Mogadishu.
Public Information Office (PIO)
United Nations Office for Somalia (UNPOS)
