IGAD calls for sustainable funding for African Union mission in Somalia

DJIBOUTI — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called on the United Nations Security Council and international partners to provide adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

In a communique issued after the 74th session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Djibouti, the regional bloc said continued support for AUSSOM and troop-contributing countries remained essential in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

IGAD also expressed support for Somalia’s efforts to advance democracy and develop an inclusive electoral system that allows broad public participation.

The bloc urged Somalia’s political stakeholders to engage in inclusive dialogue to reach agreement on the country’s electoral process, saying it was ready to support the efforts.

The ministers also called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Sudan and discussed regional security, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and piracy along Somalia’s coast.