Communique of the 8th meeting of the 8th meeting of the joint security committee (jsc)

[cynical lady]

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

[cynical lady]

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