AU-PSC: Morocco Urges Sustainable, Predictable Financing for Post-ATMIS in Somalia

Morocco underscored before the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) the importance of sustainable and predictable financing for post-ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia), on Thursday in Addis Ababa.  Speaking on behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita, during the PSC meeting on “consideration of the situation in Somalia and the Post-ATMIS security arrangements, the Kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the AU and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) noted that the current situation in Somalia, marked by the persistent terrorist threat and the recurring devastating effects of natural disasters, requires continued mobilization in a spirit of solidarity to strengthen the progress made and pave the way for lasting stability in the brotherly nation. It also reaffirmed Morocco’s unwavering support for the Somali government, the African Union, and all initiatives aimed at eradicating the growing transnational threats that jeopardize the security and stability of the region. The Moroccan delegation welcomed the commitment of the countries in the region to a lasting solution to the crisis, stressing that this regional effort must be sustained by continued support from the AU and UN, as well as partners, to overcome the persistent threat and set the country and the sub-region on the path to progress and stability. In this regard, the delegation emphasized the need to ensure the mobilization of the funding essential for a successful transition to the new AU mission in Somalia AUSSOM (AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia). It reiterated the imperative of international cooperation and support through the contribution of partners and other donors, as well as through in-kind contributions that may be provided by member states, and UN assessed contributions, in order to ensure predictable and sustainable funding for the post-ATMIS mission. The Moroccan delegation reiterated the relevance of effectively implementing a holistic and comprehensive approach at national, regional and continental levels, while respecting Somalia’s national sovereignty and unity, and insisting that any peace process in Somalia requires the implementation of a multidimensional approach, based on the peace, security and development nexus.