Mogadishu (Sunatimes) -The Deputy Special Representative of the African Union in Somali, Wafula Wamunyinyi, says AMISOM troops serving in Somalia have secured key installations and were expanding their area of control so as to further reduce civilian casualties, which have occurred due to attacks by Al-shabaab militias.

Most of those bases, which include roads that connect different government buildings, have been seized by the peacekeepers.

Mr. Wafula Wamunyinyi also said that he was optimistic about a peaceful Somalia due to the renewed interest by the international community and the bolstering of the number of troops in Somalia. He added that this is an indication that the Horn of Africa country could finally find a solution to the strife.

Media were briefed on the Somali question on Saturday and it was said that the African Union is now thinking of how to begin the reconstruction exercise of the devastated country.

The AU peacekeepers have been fighting the Al-shabab militants since they arrived in Somalia, but recent attacks by Al-shabaab have helped the forces expand their territory.

Mr. Wamunyinyi also cited the problem of lack of funds as the main challenge in dealing with the problems of Somalia, but the renewed support from the international community could see the country’s return to normalcy.

Radio Bar-kulan