Mogadishu- August 13th, 2013- The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Human Development & Public Services in the Federal Government, H.E. Dr Maryam Qasim. The two leaders discussed the general situation in Somalia, the positive role played by AMISOM and areas of cooperation between AMISOM and the ministry in particular issues of human rights and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Ambassador Annadif and H.E. Dr. Maryam Qasim reiterated the need for establishing gender safety nets in order to eliminate unfortunate abuse of women and other vulnerable members of society in the country. “AMISOM is at the disposal of the Government to support it in its efforts to continue eradicating gender inequality, empower women and benefit all people of Somalia.” Said Ambassador Annadif.
The support of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia to the civil servants in the different ministries is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of the country’s public service. AMISOM recently assisted the Federal Government of Somalia to draft its first National Gender Policy.
On behalf of the Somali Government, H.E. Dr Maryam Qasim thanked AMISOM for supporting the Somali government by building capacity to the different ministries and reaffirmed full support of the government to protect women saying that the country’s Gender Policy will go a long way in strengthening the development of Somalia. “I want to thank AMISOM for its relentless efforts in addressing matters relating to Gender.” She concluded.