Mogadishu-February 13th, 2012; The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Honorable Wafula Wamunyinyi met with Honorable Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign and International Affairs of the Republic of Uganda when the minister paid a courtesy call on him.

Honorable Wamunyinyi briefed him on the political situation in Somalia and expressed appreciation to the government and people of Uganda for the continued support towards peace and stability in Somalia. In 2007, Uganda became the first country to provide peacekeepers under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and has maintained its presence since then.

On the current political standoff in the Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP) of Somalia, the AU Deputy Special Representative said AMISOM is working closely with key leaders of relevant Transitional Federal Institutions to help resolve the crisis in parliament and ensure the return of normalcy in the national assembly.

He said; “Together with other members of the international community, AMISOM continues to mediate in the political standoff by holding discussions with all the parties involved. The AU High Representative for Somalia, H.E. Jerry John Rawlings was here a couple of days ago as part of ongoing efforts to help resolve the crises.”

The Foreign and International Affairs Minister reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to continue supporting the Somali peace process until peace and security is achieved. “The Government of Uganda remains committed to maintaining its troops in Somalia as long as it takes”. He said

Accompanied by Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, Honorable Oryem also met with the President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, H.E. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Prime Minister H.E. Abdweli Mohammed Ali.

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