Statement at the UN Security Council, explaining India’s Vote on Resolution on African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)

Nov 07,2012

Now, I would like to make an EoV in my national capacity.

The important role played by AMISOM in the remarkable progress that Somalia has achieved this year in political and security stabilization can hardly be overemphasized. Thanks to AMISOM, Mogadishu is today firmly under the control of the Somali authorities. Over the past few months, AMISOM and the Somali forces have also been making steady gains in other areas of Somalia, and have secured the strategic coastal town of Kismayo from Al Shabaab.

We commend all troop contributing countries, in particular Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, and Kenya, for their commitment to the Mission and for the sacrifices their troops have made. We also note the significant contribution of the Ethiopian troops operating under the African Union strategic concept.

2. Support of the international community to AMISOM has been instrumental in these successes. It is, therefore, necessary for the international community to remain steadfast in its support and, in fact, enhance it in order that the new Government of Somalia is fully supported in military and civilian matters to stabilize the areas liberated from Al Shabaab, establish administrative structures, and launch socio-economic development programmes.

3. We have voted in favour of Resolution 2073 extending the mandate of AMISOM for four months, as requested by the African Union. While the resolution extends the UN logistical support package to cover an additional 50 civilian personnel as requested by the African Union, we are disappointed that the resolution could not respond to other critical requests made by the AU, like the maritime component and the review of arms embargo.

4. We hope that the Council will address these issues when it next considers AMISOM’s mandate after strategic reviews by the AU and the UN.

Thank you.