MOCC holds 23rd meeting in Nairobi Kenya

The Chiefs of Defence Forces received briefs from the AMISOM Special Representative, Force Commander and Police Commissioner, US, EU and UNSOS thereafter, important issues were discussed

The Military Operations Coordination Committee (MOCC) for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) convened its 23^rd meeting in Nairobi, Kenya on 19 May 2017, which was hosted by the Kenyan Defence Forces. The Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of AMISOM Troops Contributing Countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda) or their designated representatives attended the meeting, chaired by the African Union (AU) Commissioner of Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui. Representative of the Somalia National Army, partner countries and organization (namely: United Kingdom, United States of America, European Union and United Nations) also participated in the meeting.

The 23rd MOCC meeting further took note of the objectives of the Joint AU-UN Review of AMISOM

The meeting took place in wake of last meeting held in Addis Ababa on 24 January 2017, which reiterated the need for a comprehensive approach to security in Somalia, anchored on a combination of critical mutually reinforcing factors relating to the promotion of immediate security, the extension of state authority, building of a capable Somalia National Security Forces, and preventing violent extremism. The Chiefs of Defence Forces received briefs from the AMISOM Special Representative, Force Commander and Police Commissioner, US, EU and UNSOS thereafter, important issues were discussed. Pertinent amongst which was that the MOCC reiterated its commitment to undergo the Juba Corridor and North East Coastline Operation.

The 23^rd MOCC meeting further took note of the objectives of the Joint AU-UN Review of AMISOM, which will proffer options for support, and enhancement of the Somali national security plan. The meeting stressed that the objective comes at a critical juncture of AMISOM operations and the security- building of the Somali national security institutions, as well as the Exit Strategy of AMISOM forces starting in October 2018.

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