COMMUNIQUE OF THE 8TH MEETING OF THEJOINT SECURITY COMMITTEE (JSC): June 2011.
1. The 8th meeting of the Joint Security Committee (JSC) took place on 23 June,
2011, in Entebbe, Uganda, under the co-chairmanship of H.E. Abdihakim M. Haji Faqi,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Transitional Federal Government of
Somalia, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the
United Nations for Somalia, and Ambassador Boubacar Diarra, Special Representative of
the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of AMISOM.
2. The meeting was attended by representatives of France, Italy, Japan, Sweden,
United Kingdom, United States of America, Uganda, Somalia, the African Union (AU),
European Union (EU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the
United Nations (UN).
3. The JSC reviewed progress made in the implementation of the decisions of its last
meeting held in Djibouti on 20 January, 2011. The meeting also discussed the findings
and recommendations of the “Somali Security Sector Scoping Mission Report, 2011”, the
“Somalia Security Sector Assessment Report, 2010 and the Report of the International
Shared Lessons Learned Workshop on Defectors which took place ahead of the meeting
of the JSC.
4. Following discussions, the JSC noted that some progress had been made in
enhancing the security sector in Somalia. In particular, the JSC recognized the major
territorial gains made by TFG security forces, with the support of AMISOM, the
countries of the region and other international partners. In particular, the TFG thanked
those partners (USA, Uganda, AMISOM and EU) who have delivered the EU training
programme so far. The JSC further commended the support of all international partners
actively engaged in the Somali Security Sector Development and encouraged others in
the international community to contribute towards these efforts as well.
5. In order to consolidate the gains so far made in this regard, the JSC:
• strongly urged, once again, the TFG to immediately revise, in the light of
the current security situation and of the recommendations the reports
mentioned above, the draft 2009 National Security Stabilization Plan (NSSP)
in order to facilitate its urgent implementation under a TFG guiding policy
and institutional framework supported by the JSC and its working groups;
• underlined the need for the TFG to improve its security partnership with
regional administrations and friendly forces and urged all partners to provide
the necessary support, including logistical, technical and financial, to the
Security Sector Development efforts in Somalia;
• took note of the findings and recommendations of the “Somali Security
Sector Scoping Mission Report, 2011”, the “Training Needs Assessment
Report, 2011”, “Somalia Security Sector Assessment Report, 2010, and the
Report of the International Shared Lessons Learned Workshop on Defectors
and called for action oriented programmes around which resources would be
mobilized;
• took note of the recommendations of the Workshop on International
Shared Lessons Learned on Defectors and urged partners to urgently provide
support for the management of the current caseload of defectors ”former
combatants”, and also develop action oriented programmes around which
resources would be mobilized for sustainable support for defector “former
combatants” programme;
• noted that there are still a number of outstanding tasks requiring support
including support for the functioning of the Ministries of Defence, Interior and
National Security, Justice and Religious Affairs, Parliamentary Oversight,
Civil Society organizations on security and therefore urged the concerned
parties to urgently implement them accordingly;
• called on the TFG to take further steps in addressing the presence of
children in the armed forces;
• reiterated its commitment to convene on a bi-monthly basis. In this regard,
the next meeting will be convened in Mogadishu. Thereafter, the JSC will
consider the viability to convene on a bi-monthly basis, preferably in
Mogadishu or elsewhere. The Technical Working Groups will convene on a
fortnightly basis in order to progress issues in the security sector.
6. The JSC noted with commendation, the courageous efforts of the out-going
AMISOM Force Commander, Major General Nathan Mugisha, in bringing about 70
percent of Mogadishu under the control of the TFG, while taking extreme care to
minimize the adverse effect on the civilian population and enhancing the operational
effectiveness, command and control and sustenance of the TFG forces. The JSC offered
its appreciation to General Mugisha for his outstanding efforts and his contribution to
peace and security in Somalia.
7. The JSC also noted the effective and strategic leadership provided in the
development of the Somali Security Sector by the late Minister of Interior and National
Security, H.E. Abdishakur Sheikh Hassan Farah. It expressed deep regrets and
condemnation for his murder and offered its condolences to the TFG and his family.
8. The JSC expressed its appreciation to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda
for their continuing contribution to peace and security in Somalia, and paid special tribute
to the courage and determination of their soldiers, especially to the families of those who
have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the current security operations.
9. The JSC thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the meeting.
Entebbe, Uganda, 23 June 2011
