Dhobley – Brigadier Edward Banda has assumed command of the Kenyan troops serving with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), succeeding Brigadier Seif Salim Rashid.
During the handover ceremony at the AUSSOM Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Headquarters in Dhobley, southern Somalia, on Thursday, Brigadier Rashid emphasised the significance of implementing the African Union’s mandate to ensure the mission’s success in Somalia.
“The core focus of our presence in this mission is to unequivocally fulfill the African Union’s mandate. It’s crucial that everyone understands the specifics of this mandate, because a good soldier is one who is knowledgeable,” said Brigadier Rashid in his address to the outgoing and incoming troops.
“Let’s focus more on operational matters because it is vital to understand what is happening and gather intelligence about your surrounding. For those in the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), it is eyeball to eyeball with the enemy in the frontline.”
During his tour of duty, Brigadier Rashid oversaw the successful handover of six frontline military bases to Somali Security Forces (SSF) under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), AUSSOM’s predecessor. The outgoing Kenyan contingent also conducted various capacity building initiatives for the Somali National Army and implemented key Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) stabilisation projects in their Area of Responsibility.
Acknowledging the outgoing contingent’s contributions, Brigadier Banda highlighted the responsibility bestowed on his team to ensure peace and stability in Somalia.
“I wish to reaffirm our commitment to the mission mandate and objectives outlined by the African Union, the international community, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and by extension the Federal member States whom we are entrusted to support,” Brig Banda said.
“Our primary goal remains to support our neighbour, Somalia, in its efforts to achieve peace, stability and prosperity for its people. We will continue to collaborate with the Somali Security Forces and the local communities in fostering trust, cooperation and mutual respect.”
He thanked the outgoing commander and his contingent for their commitment to stabilising Somalia.
“Their hard work and perseverance have significantly contributed to the progress and stability of this Sector, and I commend them for their exemplary service. I wish them a safe journey home and success in their subsequent deployments,” said Brig Banda, who urged the newly deployed troops to remain vigilant and adaptable, prioritising personnel and civilian safety while upholding professional standards and human rights.
Prior to his deployment to Somalia, Brig Banda served as Commander of the 8th Brigade of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
With 35 years of exemplary military service, Brigadier Banda also previously served as Battle Group Commander for Kenyan forces in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) from 2017 to 2018 and as Defence Advisor at the Kenyan High Commission in London.
