Regional presidents in Djibouti to assess progress made by AMISOM

The first summit of heads of state and government of countries contributing to the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was held on Sunday in Djibouti.

The summit that was chaired by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, was attended by Somali President Hassan Cheick Mahamoud, Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta as well as Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

The meeting assessed the progress made in efforts to restore peace in Somalia and at the same time examined the ways and means of consolidating the achievements made so far.

While opening the forum, Djibouti president noted the upsurge of deadly attacks against Somali civilians and AMISOM troops by Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

Guelleh hailed the "political decision of countries contributing to AMISOM as well as IGAD and AU which have made immense contribution to Somalia peace efforts."

Created by the AU Peace and Security Council in January 2007 and authorized by the UN Security Council in February 2007, AMISOM has the mission of supporting Somalia's transition government, putting in place national security strategy, training Somali security forces and contributing to the creation of an ideal environment for distribution of humanitarian aid.

Countries contributing to AMISOM include Djibouti, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Kenya. Endit