The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 1081st meeting held on 4 May 2022, was briefed on the attack by Al Shabaab against a Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Middle Shabele region, south west of Mogadishu, on 3 May 2022.
Council took note of opening remarks by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cameroon to the AU, and Chairperson of the PSC for the month of May 2022, H.E. Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, the statement by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Burundi to the AU, H.E. Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe and the briefing by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, H.E Ambassador Francisco Madeira.
Council welcomed the Press Release of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat issued on 3 May 2022, and recalled all AU decisions on the situation in Somalia and the ATMIS, particularly Communique [PSC/PR/COMM.1075(2022)] adopted by Council at its 1075th meeting held on 12 April 2022.
Council strongly condemned the barbaric and cowardly attack against the Burundian contingent of ATMIS, in Sector 5, by the Al Shabaab terrorist group and warned the terrorist group that this attack will not lessen the commitment and the operations of ATMIS.
Council stressed that the AU remains resolute in working with the Federal government of Somalia to eliminate the Al Shabaab menace and continue to promote effective peace, security and stability in Somalia.
Council expressed heart-felt condolences to the Government and people of Burundi, particularly the immediate families of the deceased troops and wished speedy recovery to all those who have sustained injuries.
Council paid tribute to the Burundian National Defence Forces personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and in the cause of peace in Somalia, the region and the African Continent at large.
Council also paid tribute to all troop and police contributing countries (T/PCC) to ATMIS and in particular, to all men and women serving under ATMIS, commended them for their commitment to duty and encouraged them to persevere until Al Shabaab is totally eliminated.
Council underlined the importance of preserving the gains thus far registered in Somalia, as well as the current momentum in the fight against Al Shabaab by enhancing the capacity of ATMIS, including by availing the Mission with all necessary human, material, technical and financial resources, including force enablers and multipliers, in order to enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate.
Council agreed to remain actively seized of the matter.