Jowhar – Twelve African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops in Sector 5 have completed a two-week Micro Unmanned Aerial System (MUAS) training at Jowhar Airfield, aimed at strengthening surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities in operational areas.
The training, facilitated by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia Field Technology Services (UNSOS-FTS), focused on equipping participants with technical skills in handling drones, enhancing situational awareness and supporting efforts to counter security threats.
AUSSOM Sector 5 Deputy Commander, Col. Mathias Sibomana, who officiated at the closing ceremony on 23 April, said the course was designed to build capacity of troops in deterring threats posed by enemy elements.
“As you move from this course, I encourage you to carry those lessons with you. Whether you are returning to the current roles or stepping into new opportunities, remember that you are now equipped with not just knowledge but also with a network that you need to share for intelligence service reconnaissance asset capabilities,” said Col. Sibomana, urging the troops to apply the skills acquired to support mission objectives and share the knowledge with their colleagues.
Ms. Adja Sakho, UNSOS Sector 5 Regional Administrative Officer, noted that the skills acquired will significantly enhance security through improved surveillance capabilities and operational effectiveness in the field.
“I hope that you have learnt a lot, you feel… brightened than when you came in the first day. We will be safer as a result of you being drone operators here in Jowhar and all over HirShabelle State,” said Ms Sakho. “What I understand is that this is a risk mitigation strategy to ensure that you have situational awareness, that you can see threats and deter threats before they arrive to us because you will have eyes on the enemy.”
Capt. Ciza Floribert, a participant, thanked the organisers for the training, noting that the course provided invaluable skills that will enhance their operational effectiveness in the field.
“During these two weeks training, I learnt many things. First of all [I learned] rules and regulations while operating in the airspace because before that, I did not know that there are some rules that we must respect while operating this space,” said Capt. Floribert.
“I would like to send my great gratitude to UNSOS-FTS and also to our AUSSOM leadership for organising this training that helps us in our FOBs using micro unmanned aircraft system.”
The closing ceremony was attended by UNSOS-FTS Sector Coordinator George Dannhauser, AUSSOM Sector 5 Chief of Training Lt. Col. Ndayikunda Oscar, and other senior AUSSOM officials.
The successful completion of the MUAS training underscores AUSSOM’s capacity to implement its mandate in supporting the Somali-led peace and security process.
