Jowhar, 6 February 2025 – Twenty-three Burundian troops serving with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have completed an intensive three-week training to enhance their capabilities in mitigating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) threats in peace support operations.
Facilitated by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the course focused on route search and Electronic Counter Measures to equip participants with critical skills and knowledge to enhance peacebuilding initiatives.
“The implementation of Electronic Counter Measures will enhance our troops’ tactical advantage in navigating patrols and countering enemy IEDs in suspected areas,’’ said AUSSOM Sector 5 Commander, Colonel Oscar Hatungimana during the closing ceremony at Jowhar Airfield base in Hirshabelle State.
‘’The gadgets, designed for individual soldiers’ backpack and adaptable for unit-level use, are a key advantage.”
Col. Hatungimana underscored the training’s importance in supporting African Union troops and Somali Security Forces (SSF) efforts to combat the IED threat, a tactic frequently employed by Al-Shabaab, who often plant these devices along Main Supply Routes (MSRs).
He thanked UNMAS for the continued collaboration, underscoring the invaluable contributions to the effective implementation of the AUSSOM mandate.
“We greatly appreciate their assistance, which extends not only to training but also in provision of essential equipment,” added Col. Hatungimana, urging participants to apply the newly acquired skills to fulfil the mission objectives.
Jardan Garland, UNMAS Operations and Quality Assurance Officer, reaffirmed their commitment to empowering troops with critical skills to detect and counter IED threats posed by Al-Shabaab militants.
The training covered IED identification, neutralization, and self-protection techniques, including route search methods and classification of IED types and categories.
1st Sgt. Tuyisengere Révérien, who participated in the training, expressed eagerness to apply his newly acquired knowledge and skills to fulfil the mission’s mandate.
AUSSOM and UNMAS collaborate to enhance the capacity of peacekeepers through training and equipment provision, aiming to detect and neutralise IEDs that pose a significant threat to the safety of military personnel and civilians.