Mogadishu – Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ contributions to peacebuilding efforts in Somalia.
Ambassador Diene visited Sector One, under the AUSSOM Ugandan Contingent, following his inaugural tour of Sector Two in Kismayo, managed by the Kenyan Contingent.
The Ugandan Contingent oversees security in Banadir Region, the seat of the Federal Government, and the agriculturally rich Lower Shabelle region.
“Following our visit to Sector Two, today [Sunday] we are in Sector One. Sector One is a critical area, encompassing Mogadishu and all the surrounding regions. We found a highly motivated sector, well-led, with committed troops,” Ambassador Diene said.
He said AUSSOM’s adequate funding is the leadership’s top priority to ensure troops are fully equipped to effectively secure Somalia.
“This is why we, as the leadership of AUSSOM, are placing special emphasis on this aspect of our mandate implementation,” Ambassador Diene said.
During the meeting, the SRCC was briefed on the security situation within the Contingent’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Ambassador Diene praised the troops for supporting the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in recapturing Lower Shabelle’s strategic Bariire town from Al Shabaab’s control last Friday. The victory followed a major ground and air operation by AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).
AUSSOM Uganda Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga thanked the SRCC for recognising Sector One’s contributions to Somalia’s security.
“He (Ambassador Diene) visited us at a crucial moment, having just dislodged Al-Shabaab from Bariire, days after liberating Sabiid and Anole villages. His encouragement to continue supporting the Somali Security Forces (SSF) is greatly appreciated,” said Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga.
Ambassador Diene was accompanied by officials from the civilian and military components of the mission, including deputy Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador Mouktar Osman Karie and Mission military Chief of Staff, Major General Kindu Gezu.
