Communique of the 8th Meeting of the Joint Security Committee (JSC)

1. The 8th meeting of the Joint Security Committee (JSC) took place on 23 June, 2011, in Entebbe, Uganda, under the co-chairmanship of H.E. Abdihakim M. Haji Faqi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Somalia, and Ambassador Boubacar Diarra, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of AMISOM.

2. The meeting was attended by representatives of France, Italy, Japan, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uganda, Somalia, the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations (UN).
3. The JSC reviewed progress made in the implementation of the decisions of its last meeting held in Djibouti on 20 January, 2011. The meeting also discussed the findings and recommendations of the “Somali Security Sector Scoping Mission Report, 2011”, the “Somalia Security Sector Assessment Report, 2010 and the Report of the International Shared Lessons Learned Workshop on Defectors which took place ahead of the meeting of the JSC.
4. Following discussions, the JSC noted that some progress had been made in enhancing the security sector in Somalia. In particular, the JSC recognized the major territorial gains made by TFG security forces, with the support of AMISOM, the countries of the region and other international partners. In particular, the TFG thanked those partners (USA, Uganda, AMISOM and EU) who have delivered the EU training programme so far. The JSC further commended the support of all international partners actively engaged in the Somali Security Sector Development and encouraged others in the international community to contribute towards these efforts as well.
5. In order to consolidate the gains so far made in this regard, the JSC:

•  strongly urged, once again, the TFG to immediately revise, in the light of the current security situation and of the recommendations the reports mentioned above, the draft 2009 National Security Stabilization Plan NSSP)
• in order to facilitate its urgent implementation under a TFG guiding policy and institutional framework supported by the JSC and its working groups;
• underlined the need for the TFG to improve its security partnership with regional administrations and friendly forces and urged all partners to provide the necessary support, including logistical, technical and financial, to the Security Sector Development efforts in Somalia; 
•  took note of the findings and recommendations of the “Somali Security Sector Scoping Mission Report, 2011”, the “Training Needs Assessment Report, 2011”, “Somalia Security Sector Assessment Report, 2010, and the Report of the International Shared Lessons Learned Workshop on Defectors and called for action oriented programmes around which resources would be mobilized;
• took note of the recommendations of the Workshop on International Shared Lessons Learned on Defectors and urged partners to urgently provide support for the management of the current caseload of defectors ”former combatants”, and also develop action oriented programmes around which resources would be mobilized for sustainable support for defector “former combatants” programme;
•  noted that there are still a number of outstanding tasks requiring support including support for the functioning of the Ministries of Defence, Interior and National Security, Justice and Religious Affairs, Parliamentary Oversight, Civil Society organizations on security and therefore urged the concerned parties to urgently implement them accordingly;  
•  called on the TFG to take further steps in addressing the presence of children in the armed forces; 
•  reiterated its commitment to convene on a bi-monthly basis. In this regard, the next meeting will be convened in Mogadishu. Thereafter, the JSC will consider the viability to convene on a bi-monthly basis, preferably in Mogadishu or elsewhere. The Technical Working Groups will convene on a fortnightly basis in order to progress issues in the security sector.

6. The JSC noted with commendation, the courageous efforts of the out-going AMISOM Force Commander, Major General Nathan Mugisha, in bringing about 70 percent of Mogadishu under the control of the TFG, while taking extreme care to minimize the adverse effect on the civilian population and enhancing the operational effectiveness, command and control and sustenance of the TFG forces. The JSC offered
its appreciation to General Mugisha for his outstanding efforts and his contribution to peace and security in Somalia.
7. The JSC also noted the effective and strategic leadership provided in the development of the Somali Security Sector by the late Minister of Interior and National Security, H.E. Abdishakur Sheikh Hassan Farah. It expressed deep regrets and condemnation for his murder and offered its condolences to the TFG and his family.

8. The JSC expressed its appreciation to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda for their continuing contribution to peace and security in Somalia, and paid special tribute to the courage and determination of their soldiers, especially to the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the current security operations.

9. The JSC thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the meeting.

Entebbe, Uganda, 23 June 2011.