NAIROBI– Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has on Wednesday hosted the new United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary General and Head of UNSOS Ms. Aisa Kirabo who paid him a courtesy call at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
They discussed wide range of issues including the security situation in Somalia and bolstering of the thr Kenya’s government efforts of supporting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa Nation.
Consequently, the CS congratulated Ms. Kirabo on her new role having taken over the mantle from Ms. Lisa Filipetto whose tour of duty came to an end.
He assured the Head of UNSOS of the unwavering commitment and support by the Kenya’s government to cooperate and work with her office in a bid to actualize the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia ( ATMIS).
“I assured the Head of UNSOS of our support and commitment to work more closely with her office for the actualization of the ATMIS mandate.” said Duale.
The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) plays a critical role in participating in peace process by supporting troops deployed in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). pic.twitter.com/WxcTeRCbwx
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) July 19, 2023
He informed the Envoy that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to enhance the capability of the Somalia Security Forces (SSF) to enable them take full security responsibility once the drawdown takes effect by 2024 and expressed the government’s commitment to Somali Transition plan.
“I informed the Envoy that our Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to enhance the capability of the Somalia Security Forces (SSF) to enable them resume the security responsibility of their country once the drawdown takes effect and our commitment to Somali Transition plan.” said the CS.
The Defence CS eventually reiterated the milestones and progress achieved in the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia but however called for heightened support to achieve long lasting peace in the East African Nation.
On a different note, Ms Kacyira also held meeting with Alfred Mutua, the Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary where they deliberate on variety of items primarily being the continued support to ATMIS and Somali security forces.
Capacity building for the Federal government troops with a view to making them take over the security responsibilities from peace keeping forces also featured prominently in the discussion.
I have this morning met Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia( UNSOS).
During our meeting, matters of mutual concern relating to the progress of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) were on the agenda.
The… pic.twitter.com/Q6mbIz2THe
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) July 19, 2023
On her part, the UNSOS boss reassured the Agency commitment to continue providing logistical support to ATMIS.
