On 2nd June 2012, the Government of the Republic of Kenya and African Union Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), for Kenya to contribute troops and resources to the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). The MOU was signed at the Headquarters of the African Union by Honorable Mohamed Yusuf Haji, EGH, MP, Minister of State for Defence of the Republic of Kenya, who was accompanied by H.E Dr. Monica Juma, the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the African Union and General Julius Karangi, Chief of Defence Staff of Kenya.
Hon Yusuf Haji and Amb. Lamamra signing the MOU in the presence of Ambassador Juma, General Karangi and Director Peace and Security of the AUC.
On the part of the Commission, the signatory was Ambassador Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union, who was accompanied by Mr. Kassim Wane, Director of the Peace and Security Department and a representative from the Office of the Legal Counsel.
Noting that the entry of Kenya in Somalia in October 2011 was a significant game changer to the efforts towards turning Somalia round, the Commissioner commended the Government of Kenya for its demonstrated commitment and continued support to AMISOM. Further, he underscored the value of Kenya’s participation in the development of the Strategic Concept for AMISOM Operation, and progress in its implementation since the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2036 (2012) of 22nd February 2012. The positive outcomes of the London and Istanbul conferences on Somalia are testimonies to the ever growing international community support in favour of a peaceful stable democratic and prosperous Somalia.
On his part, the Hon Minister of State for Defense welcomed the signing of MOU and reiterated the commitment of the Republic of Kenya to the stabilization of Somalia, noting it was critical to the collective security of Eastern Africa, the rest of the continent, as well as to international peace and security.
Hon. Minister and Amb. Lamamra exchange views on array of issues .Present is Amb. Monica Juma and General Karangi .
He further underscored that the Government of the Republic of Kenya was aware of the aspirations of the people of Somalia to live in a secure society under a Government elected by themselves and for themselves, adding that AU’s efforts in Somalia would create an enabling environment for the achievement of this objective.
Amb. Lamamra hands the Minister of state for defence the AU flag .
The Commissioner for Peace and Security and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence also exchanged views on a range of other issues of mutual concern.
