Somalia: Senate speaker meets AU envoy in capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira held talks with members of Somalia’s Federal Parliament on Monday in Mogadishu.

The closed-door discussions, held at parliament building, in Mogadishu, focused on security, protocol and ways of strengthening relations between the federal parliament and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

“We discussed matters related to security and protocol. We are now reading from the same page. We are happy and satisfied with the mutual explanation. From now we will work very well with each other,” Ambassador Madeira said.

The Upper House Speaker, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, who received the SRCC, thanked AMISOM peacekeepers for the sacrifice made in stabilizing the country, adding that their efforts had brought positive gains to the people of Somalia.

“We are very grateful and aware of the efforts and sacrifice of AMISOM peacekeepers and the role they play to secure Somalia and we are very happy to receive you [the SRCC],” said the Upper House Speaker.

Ambassador Madeira reiterated AMISOM’s respect for the leadership and people of Somalia, adding that the AU Mission will continue working closely with the government and federal parliament in bringing lasting peace and security to the Horn of Africa country.

The meeting was also attended by the 1st Deputy Speaker, Abshir Mohamed Ahmed Bukhaari, 2nd Deputy Speaker, Mowlid Hussein Guhaad, and the Secretary-General of the Upper House, Ali Mohamed Jamaa.

“It has been an immense honour for the Speaker of the Upper House, and his two deputies accompanied by members of the Upper House security committee to hold a very fruitful discussion with the Head of AMISOM, the agreement is to make the relationship a permanent one and to work together for the country,” said Mr. Jamaa.