Addis Ababa, 6 December 2012 – The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Erastus Mwencha, on 6 December 2012, received in audience the new African Union Special Representative (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif.

Ambassador Annadif reiterated his commitment to support the African Union (AU) efforts in maintaining peace in Somalia. He said he will continue to seek advice and guidance from the AUC Deputy Chairperson to ensure that his action on the ground is in accordance with the AU vision.

Mr. Mwencha congratulated Ambassador Annadif for his brilliant appointment as the AU Special Representative in Somalia. He explained that the AU Commission has continued to engage with the international community on the establishment of a sustainable support mechanism to address issues such as financial and logistical resources to help strengthen the capacity of the troops on the ground as well as enhance the effectiveness of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). “ Strengthening the Somali forces will enable us to scale down AMISOM’s presence and to ensure that the Somalis are indeed in charge of providing security to their own people” , the Deputy Chairperson underscored.

Worth noting that, the AU Special Representative has rich experience in international relations. He has held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Staff for the President of Chad as well as Permanent Representative of the African Union Commission to the European Union in Brussels.