Mogadishu — The African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia AMISOM, welcomed the peace deal signed in Djibouti between Somalia government and major opposition groups.

In a UN brokered meeting on Oct 26, 2008 in Djibouti, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and the alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) signed an agreement.

The spokesman of AMISOM major Brigye Bohoku commended the Somali parties for the commitment and the spirit of compromise they have displayed.

"I am appealing the sides signed the Djibouti peace agreement to continue their commitment on the side of peace" Bohoku said in a news conference he held in Mogadishu.

The Somalia parties agreed the Ethiopian troops to pull out the residential areas in Mogadishu on 5th of October before their time of entire withdrawal from Somalia.

Thousands of Somalis have died in more than 18 months of fighting between the insurgents and the Ethiopian-backed government. The Ethiopians invaded Somalia in late 2006 to help the government oust an Islamist movement from power in southern and central areas of the country.