Mogadishu- 18 February 2013: The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) officials held lengthy consultations with local leaders from mostly the recently recovered towns of Janalle, Aw Dheegle and Barire in Lower Shabelle. The fruitful discussions that were attended by key elders, Members of Parliament from the region, district commissioners and other opinion shapers sought to mobilize local support for the stabilization of the newly recovered areas.

Organized by the Political Unit of AMISOM, the leaders met with the Sector 1 Commander, Brig. Michael Ondoga and discussed ways of further enhancing dialogue and coordination with AMISOM so as to complement the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) as it continues to build lasting peace and security throughout the country. The elders from Qoryooley, Sablaale, Baraawe, Marka and Kuurtunwaarey districts shared and exchanged views on the activities that can be undertaken immediately to enhance security and protect the hard won military gains. Earlier in the week the Somali government forces with the support of African Union troops recovered the 3 key towns and these consultations were aimed at consolidating these recent military gains and complementing them with local support through dialogue, community mobilization and sensitization.\

GT