AFRICAN UNION

UNION AFRICAINE

UNIÃO AFRICANA

African Union Mission in Somalia

P.O. Box 30786-00100 ; Tel : (+254-2) 271 3756 ; Fax : 271 3766, Nairobi, Kenya

PRESS STATEMENT.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) wishes to express its concerns over the negative media reports on an alleged occupation of key areas vacated by the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) by elements opposed to the peace process.

It is sad to note that positive developments in Somalia are always overlooked while emphasis is put on negative events. It is in this context that the alleged occupation of Pasta Factory, Mogadishu Stadium and Ex-Ministry of Defence by Al Shabab are being propagated in the media while the correct information indicates otherwise. AMISOM wishes to clarify that areas vacated by ENDF have been occupied by TFG and ARS forces.

The African Union therefore wishes to highlight this as a successful coordination process of TFG and ARS forces now occupying areas vacated by ENDF as a major achievement.

It is further important to note that ENDF have completed their withdrawal from Mogadishu in fulfilment of the Inter-Somali Djibouti Agreement and in line with the commitment made by the Ethiopian Government.

The above positive security developments in Mogadishu come at the time when the peace process in Somalia is gaining momentum with the expansion of the Parliament and the election of top leadership under an all inclusive Government of National Unity.

Mogadishu, 16 January 2009.