Mogadishu – African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) personnel joined the Muslim community and Somali on 20 March to celebrate Eid el-Fitr. Festivities to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan were held across AUSSOM sectors, including Baidoa, Beledweyne, Jowhar, Dhobley, and Mogadishu.
The Military, police, and civilians serving under AUSSOM in Mogadishu, including the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) and Head of AUSSOM, Amb. El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, prayed together at the Headquarters Mosque. The SRCC joined later the Mogadishu celebrations hosted by AUSSOM Uganda troops. Also attended the event AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, Sector One Commander, Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, Deputy Ugandan Ambassador to Somalia, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Nathan Mugisha, UN Guard Unit Commander, Lt. Col. Nathan Akankunda, AUSSOM personnel and members of the local Somali community.
Ambassador Diene praised the troop’s professionalism and achievements. He urged continued consideration and respect for Somali communities and encouraged personnel to carry Ramadan’s spirit of renewal and reconciliation.
“We are here as Pan-Africans to support Somalia. We have been doing that since 2007 and we will continue as long as it is necessary,” Amb. Diene said. “Let us remain focused on our mission. We will not succeed without showing respect, consideration, and appreciation to the Somali communities we serve.”
Force Commander congratulated the Somali population, commended AUSSOM personnel and sectors leadership for their heightened vigilance during Ramadan. He noted that strict adherence to mission guidelines ensured a peaceful period.
“As I thank you for following my instructions and guidelines, I want to also thank you for having decisively dealt with Al-Shabaab groups across all the sectors. We will continue operations to disrupt and defeat the militants,” Lt. Gen. Kavuma said. Brig. Gen Kayanja echoed these sentiments and highlighted tactical successes achieved during the holy month.
The participants also observed a moment of silence to honour fallen AUSSOM and Somali Security Forces (SSF) soldiers and civilians.
“Let us also take this time to reflect on our fallen comrades both in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Somali National Army (SNA) and the communities who have lost their lives in this struggle,” Deputy Ugandan Ambassador said.
The AUSSOM troops serving under Sector Two, led by the Sector Commander, Brig. Gen. Edward Banda, held the main Eid el-Fitr celebrations at the Kismayo New Airport Main Operating Base (MOB).
Brig. Gen. Edward Banda congratulated the AUSSOM personnel and emphasised discipline, and self-control while performing daily duties.
Similar celebrations were held across the State, including in Dhobley Tabda, Hoosingo, Belles Qoqaani, and Afmadhow MOB, reinforcing unity and shared purpose among deployed troops and local communities.
Across the AUSSOM sectors, in Baidoa, Beletweyne, Jowhar, AUSSOM personnel joined the local communities to mark the day with prayers, gatherings, and exchanges.
The leadership of AUSSOM thanked AUSSOM troops, Somali Security Forces and international partners for their commitment and dedication in advancing and supporting the Somali-led peace, security and stabilisation process.
