Kismaayo, 9 August 2016 – AMISOM and humanitarian organizations in Kismaayo have resolved to work together to help speed up humanitarian assistance in Somalia.

At a Regional Civil and Military Working Group meeting held in Kismaayo, on Sunday, officials from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and humanitarian agencies emphasized the need for stronger relations, saying cooperation was critical not only in restoring peace and stability but also ensuring the rights of residents living in conflict areas are protected.

The meeting was also attended by members of the civil society organizations operating in various parts of Somalia.

“The aim of the meeting was to improve coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance between AMISOM and humanitarian actors,” said AMISOM Humanitarian Officer, Jackson Basoronga.

The meeting also discussed the influx of returnees and IDPs in Kismaayo. Somali refugees living in neighbouring countries have begun returning home to settle in areas liberated from Al-Shabaab militants.

Mr Basoronga described the meeting as fruitful, expressing confidence that the discussions will go a long way in improving relations and service delivery.

The meeting discussed ways of synchronizing humanitarian programmes initiated by non-governmental organizations, UN agencies and other stakeholders

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 6,000 Somalis have returned home since last year from Dadaab camp in Kenya, under the voluntary repatriation programme.

In November last year, the port city of Kismaayo became the first town to receive more than 100 returnees from Dadaab under the voluntary repatriation programme.

While on a visit to Kenya, last month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia was ready to receive its citizens from the Dadaab refugee camp.

He urged the refugees to return home and participate in the process of state-building and national reconciliation.

The Kismaayo Regional Civil and Military Coordination meeting is held every two months.

AMISOM has launched a series of programmes aimed at improving relations between the military and civilians to help prevent radicalization and recruitment of youths by Al-Shabaab militants.