Naval Response
AMISOM’s Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) has been actively training with the European Union’s Naval Force – Somalia (EU NAVFOR). The EU NAVFOR has been escorting AMISOM and World Food Programme (WFP) vessels bound for Somalia. VDP is a specialized military detachment of AMISOM designed to act as vessel security for AMISOM supply and WFP vessels once the EU NAVFOR and NATO Ocean Shield mandates have expired. VPD will be on a case-by-case basis (Report of the Secretary-General to the UNSC).
Industry Response
AMISOM will be employing a UN approved Vessel Protection Detachment, whereby EU NAVFOR trained AMISOM detached soldiers will be placed onboard UNSOA chartered vessels.
Plight of Seafarers
No activity planned or implemented.
Messaging and Advocacy
No activity planned or implemented.
Regional Capacity
No activity planned or implemented.
Somali Capacity
The purpose of AMISOM is to coordinate with Somali security forces, acting under Chapter VII of the UNSC, to reduce the threat posed by Al Shabaab and other armed resistance to AMISOM’s mandate to establish conditions for effective and legitimate governance across Somalia. AMISOM respects international humanitarian and human rights laws and Somali sovereignty and territorial integrity.‘The ongoing instability in Somalia contributes to the problem of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia’ (UNSC Res 2036 (2012)), AMISOM is a land-based approach to re-gaining law and order and restoring peace to Somalia. In January 2013, AU Special Representative reaffirmed AMISOM’s partnership with the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The re-opening of the NISA headquarters is seen as a step forward for re-establishing Somali state institutions, ‘The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has played a significant role in fighting terrorists and its efforts are clearly bearing fruits. I therefore wish to reaffirm AMISOM’s continued commitment to working with NISA as Somalia moves to stabilise the country and rebuild its institutions.’(AMISOM’s support of NISA). Also in January 2013, it was announced that AMISOM would train Somali Police forces in Djibouti. 200 officers, both men and women, have begun a three-month training course aimed at strengthening the Somali Police Force,‘the AMISOM Police component has been working closely with their Somali counterparts and with the Federal Government of Somalia to build the capacity and professionalism of the Somali Police Force.’ (AMISOM to train Somali Police).
Rule of Law
AMISOM’s mandate as set out in paragraph 9 of UNSC resolution 1772 (2007) and most recently re-authorized by UNSC resolution 2093 (2013), under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, extends the peacekeeping mission to February 2014. UNSC resolution 2036 (2012), called for the expansion of AMISOM peacekeeping forces in Somalia. AMISOM’s security keeping function is to provide support the Federal Government of Somalia, to help restore peace, security and stability within Somalia, with a focus on neutralizing Al-Shabaab.
Coordination
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA), the Strategic Planning Management Unit (SPMU), and the European Union (EU) have been actively coordinating with AMISOM to provide police, military and civilian support to Somalia. ‘AMISOM Humanitarian Affairs Unit works closely with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities (OCHA), UNICEF-Somalia, UNHCR-Somalia, WFP and other UN agencies and NGOs to establish coordination mechanisms and the sharing of information. AMISOM also collaborates with the Somali Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Resettlement, Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities.’ (AMISOM activities).
