AMISOM Magazine - Issue 22 - English

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Issue 22 | July – December 2017

THE

TRANSITION AMISOM MAGAZINE

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Message

From the SRCC Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

AMISOM has undertaken a series of troop movements, aimed at re-aligning contingent compositions in various Forward Operation Bases across Somalia, in readiness for the transitioning of the security responsibilities” —Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

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en years ago, a response to an ally in distress transformed into Africa’s biggest peace support operation, drawing in Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya, in a massive operation to drive out Al-Shabaab insurgents from the capital Mogadishu and other key towns in south central Somalia.

Today, we look back with satisfaction at the tremendous progress made to return Somalia to normalcy.

A new phase to transition the security responsibility to the Somali security forces has began. This will pave way for the local forces to take the lead in securing their country.

I have nothing but admiration for their zeal and determination to meet their security objectives, as outlined in the National Security Architecture and the National Defence Strategy.

Under the planned drawdown, the AU troops will relinquish the security of the key towns to the Somali forces, through a conditions based transition plan.

As demanding as the task ahead may be, I am confident that AMISOM will leave behind a formidable force, capable of meeting Somalia’s security objectives.

These objectives will require the full support of all partners to make it a reality.

Of utmost importance is the need for a convergence of vision. Likewise, it is pertinent that the forces must receive the support of ordinary Somalis, to win the war on terror.

AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia continue with deliberations on the drawdown of troops, with the aim of ensuring that the gains already made in degrading the militants are not lost.

During the transition period, AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) continue to cooperate in joint operations, aimed at a complete annihilation of the insurgents and the opening of the Main Supply Routes.

Also of priority, is the protection of civilians, and the creation of a free and secure environment for people to thrive and go about their daily business unhindered.

In the past few weeks, AMISOM has undertaken a series of troop movements aimed at re-aligning contingent compositions in various Forward Operation Bases across Somalia, in readiness for the transitioning of the security responsibilities.

Over the coming weeks, AMISOM’s strategic troop movements will continue without disrupting the provision of the existing security services, to ensure the safety of the people of Somalia, who remain at the core of AMISOM’s operational consideration.

Enjoy the new issue!

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Table of

CONTENTS

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Message From The SRCC

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In The News

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Transitioning To A Drawdown

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Military Operations

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United Against The Enemy

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AMISOM Shores Up Anti-IED Efforts

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Strengthening Somalia’s Security Forces

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NISA Workshop on Capacity Building

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Communities Use Football To End Inter-Clan Conflict

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Fighting Recruitment And Use of Child Soldiers In Conflict

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AMISOM Hands Back University to Somali Government

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ITF Launches Somalia Civil-Military Working Group Report

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AU Sends Relief Supplies to Drought Victims

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AMISOM At A Glance

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Uganda’s New Chief of Defence Forces Visits Somalia

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Somalia sets priorities for defector rehabilitation

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Policing in Somalia

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Mogadishu Holds Third Annual Book Fair

A young boy draws a secular peace symbol on a beach in the port city of Kismayo, Somalia on September 18, 2017, in the run-up to the International Day of Peace, which is marked annually on September 21 every year. Somalis are rallying behind efforts for lasting peace.

Photo: AU-UN IST

Design & Layout: Noel Lumbama Photography: AU-UN IST Newsroom | thenewsroom@auunist.org Email: amisommediacentre@gmail.com P.O. Box 20182 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Phone: +254 202 713 755 /56 /58 Fax: +254 202 713 766 Publisher: AMISOM Public Information Unit

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IN THE 2017 JULY

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NEWS

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he African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) officially handed over the premises of the Somali National University back to the federal government authorities, relinquishing control of the institution which it had occupied for 10 years. AU troops from Burundi contingent first occupied the university in 2007, starting off as a small Forward Operating Base, and later evolving into a Battalion headquarters to coordinate operations against Al-Shabaab; succeeding to drive the militants out of Mogadishu through combined efforts with other AU troops.

The handover paved way for the re-opening of the learning institution, following renovation works spearheaded by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

2017 JULY

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MISOM and the UN launched a Joint Police Patrol training in Gaalkacyo. AMISOM and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) facilitated the joint training aimed at preparing a group of police officers from Puntland and Galmudug states to carry out joint patrols in Gaalkacyo, as part of a ceasefire agreement. The training took place under the auspices of the Gaalkacyo Ceasefire Agreement signed on 1 January 2017 by the Puntland and Galmudug State Presidents. Under the agreement, patrol teams from both states would be trained to help enforce the cessation of hostilities between the two administrations.

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2017 JULY

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2017

AUGUST

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joint meeting of the AU Mission and the Federal Government of Somalia issued a communique for a conditionsbased drawdown by AMISOM troops.

The meeting held in the capital Mogadishu ended with renewed calls for “adequate and predictable” funding to AMISOM, to enable the Mission capacitate the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF), to ready it for the transitioning of security responsibilities.

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he World Health Organization (WHO) declared Somalia free of polio for three consecutive years, but the UN agency also called for vigilance to avoid a fresh importation of the virus. The announcement was made by the WHO Regional Director for Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Mahmoud Fikri, at celebrations to mark the milestone, held in the Somali capital Mogadishu. The event was officiated by Somali H.E President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmaajo’.

“Today we celebrate a major milestone. However, we must remember our work is not yet finished. As the world edges closer to the eradication of polio, keeping alert in countries at a high risk of polio importation like Somalia are more of a priority than ever” —Dr. Mahmoud Fikri

2017 AUGUST

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he United Nations Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, visited Somalia and held a series of meetings with the country’s leadership to show solidarity with the government and people of Somalia, as well as to reiterate the United Nations’ support to the new government and discuss ways to address the country’s challenges such as the recent drought and security.

2017

SEPTEMBER

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MISOM and its partners launched the ITF Somalia Civil-Military Working Group Report that details achievements made in humanitarian support to Somalia, in the past three years.

The report, jointly produced by AMISOM and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), will help guide future humanitarian operations

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2017

SEPTEMBER

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omalia marked the annual International Day of Peace by rallying the youth to propagate peaceful resolutions to conflict. The youth made personal pledges to promote peace. The International Day of Peace was established by the UN in 1981 to strengthen the commitment to global peace.

2017

OCTOBER

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as Somalia moves to establish structures for quick disaster response.

“When we have a CivilMilitary Working Group coming up to reconsider what should be the best way of relating between the military and the humanitarian agencies, it is a very welcome gesture, whose formation must be taken very seriously” —Deputy SRCC Simon Mulongo

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OCTOBER

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enior leaders from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) converge at a two-day Strategic Communications Master class in Mogadishu to seek more effective ways to communicate AMISOM’s and Somalia’s

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successes. The leaders brainstormed on communication challenges, especially in the un-governed digital space, how to mitigate them; and ways to align AMISOM’s strategic communications needs, with the needs of the Federal Government of Somalia.

“It is important that we have coordinated communications because we have only one enemy and that enemy is violent extremism in the form of Al-Shabaab, it is an enemy that seeks out signs of disunity,” Mr. Abdirahman Yusuf Yarisow, the Federal Minister of Information said in his remarks during the official opening of the Master Class.

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omali Prime Minister H.E Hassan Ali Khaire officiated at celebrations to mark Uganda’s 55th Independence Day. He commended the Ugandan government for its contribution to end the decadelong civil war in Somalia and the restoration of peace and security.

He made the remarks at a ceremony hosted by the Ugandan Embassy in Mogadishu.

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2017

OCTOBER

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2017

OCTOBER

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he African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) facilitated a 10-day training course on basic crime scene management for South West Police officers in Baidoa, the administrative capital of the South West State. Twenty officers drawn from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) attended the course, which was part of a series of specialized training programmes being conducted by AMISOM Police.

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MISOM troops and civilian staff organized a blood donation drive in support of victims of the October 14 attack in Mogadishu. Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh who led the drive at the AMISOM Force Headquarters urged the world to show solidarity with the victims and offer support.

“I want to send a message to Somalis that AlShabaab is an enemy of the people and of humanity.

If such persons were normal, they would not have targeted the ordinary population. One should not think that Al-Shabaab is fighting AMISOM or the Somali security forces or other troops in the country. They should know that Al-Shabaab is the enemy of all existing Somalis” —Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh .

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OCTOBER

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2017

NOVEMBER

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he fourth annual continental forum on Election Management Bodies, was held in Kigali, Rwanda with the recognition of youth as a critical asset in electoral processes in Africa. The two-day forum discussed electoral best practices and solutions to electoral management challenges on the continent. AMISOM facilitated the participation at the forum of members of the Somali National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC).

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he African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and other key stakeholders held a crisis meeting to review the October 14 bomb attack, which killed close to 400-people in Mogadishu. The meeting for the Joint Crisis Management Team, organized by AMISOM, was attended by senior UN officials led by the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga, and top FGS security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Maj. Gen. Abdiweli Jama Hussein, agreed on key measures to deter future attacks.

2017

NOVEMBER

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he Federal Government of Somalia, the UN and AU Missions in Somalia held a joint meeting to discuss a comprehensive approach to security for the country. The discussions addressed Somalia’s national priorities, the progress made on the Comprehensive Approach to Security and existing gaps, and drew participants from key federal ministries and federal member states, the United Nations, AMISOM and the international partners.

2017

NOVEMBER

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he Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, accompanied a high-level Federal Government of Somalia delegation led by Prime Minister H.E Hassan Ali Khaire on a security assessment visit to Barawe, a strategic port city situated in the Lower Shabelle region. The delegation met with elders and members of the public. H.E Khaire assured them that AMISOM would continue to receive support to enable it continue securing the port city until the Somali security forces are ready to take the lead in providing security.

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NOVEMBER

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he African Union Mission in Somalia held a two-day workshop for members of the Somali National Security Forces, on how to engender women and support the integration of gender issues at work.

The training of at least 32 security sector personnel drawn from the Federal Government and federal member states, is supported by the British Embassy in Somalia.

2017

DECEMBER

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high-level security conference on Somalia held on December 4, 2017, agreed to an “urgent development of a realistic, conditions-based transition plan”, to transfer the national security responsibility from the AU Mission in Somalia, to the Somali security forces.

The Partnership Forum held on December 5, was attended by representatives of 25 countries and 6 multilateral organizations, the presidents of the country’s five Federal Member States and the head of the Benadir Regional Administration that encompasses Mogadishu.

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Transitioning Security

Participants attend the closing session of Joint AMISOM and FGS Conference on Transitioning Security Responsibilities from AMISOM to Somali National Security Forces in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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MISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia held a high profile meeting in July, to deliberate and agree on an effective plan for the transitioning of the national security to the Somali security forces, as outlined in the National Security Architecture Agreement, and the Comprehensive Approach to Security (CAS).

The agreements which are central to achieving sustainable security reform and a transition of primary responsibility of security from AMISOM to Somali security forces, however do acknowledge, that AMISOM remains critical to securing Somalia’s security.

The July meeting held in the capital Mogadishu in cognizance of the need

to further support AMISOM, to enable it to continue executing its mandate effectively, renewed calls for “adequate and predictable” funding to AU Mission.

The funding, the meeting stated, would enable the Mission to continue to capacitate the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF), to ready it for the transitioning of security responsibilities.

The meeting agreed that additional support would focus on the furtherance of training, mentorship and equipping SNSF with the necessary infrastructure and mobility, to enable them conduct their security responsibilities effectively.

In a communique released at the end of the five-day meeting, the two partners affirmed their commitment to the transition, as stipulated in

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Abdirashid Abdullahi Mohamed, the Defence Minister for Federal Government of Somalia, sign a communique on Transitioning Security Responsibilities from AMISOM to Somali National Security Forces in Mogadishu, Somalia, on July 29, 2017.

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recommendations of the London Conference on Somalia, held in May 2017, and in the report of the AU-UN Joint Review of AMISOM. The communique signed by the Somali Federal Minister of Defence H.E Abdirashid Abdullahi Mohamed and Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, made note of the “gradual, conditions-based” manner in which the transition will be applied, to ensure gains made against Al-Shabaab are not reversed.

The communique called for “critical and urgent” joint operations across south and central Somalia to “further disrupt and degrade” Al-Shabaab.

“The SNA sector commanders shared their immediate objectives and priority operations to further degrade Al Shabaab,” the communique read in part.

“We brainstormed, we tried to see how best we can move forward in terms of strategizing on the best way to implement these decisions and have a more stressed, affirmed impact on the battlefield against Al Shabaab,” Ambassador Madeira said at the end of the five-day meeting.

There was consensus that AMISOM and SNSF hold planning meetings for coordinated joint operations for the rest of the year and beyond.

“The main objective is how we cooperate and pull all our efforts to make ends meet in ensuring that the objectives that are expected out of us are delivered in the best manner that can support us in stabilizing this nation,” the Minister of Defence H.E Abdirashid Abdullahi Mohamed emphasized.

AMISOM was asked to assist in the development of a counter-insurgency plan.

The Comprehensive Approach To Security

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n November 11, the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and AMISOM held a joint meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Approach (CAS), to Security for Somalia.

The discussions addressed Somalia’s national priorities, the progress made on the Comprehensive Approach to Security and existing gaps.

“Maintaining security is not just about offensive action, we remain cognizant that we require a comprehensive

Representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal Member States, and international partners attend the executive meeting on a comprehensive approach to security in Somalia held in Mogadishu, on November 11, 2017.

(Right) H.E. Hassan Ali Khaire, the Somalia Prime Minister, speaks at a the meeting supported by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

approach that has been well articulated by our president, who is keen on engaging our population in good governance, fighting corruption, reconciliation and healing the wounds of the past”, Prime Minister H.E Hassan Ali Khaire told the meeting.

He noted that a comprehensive approach in dealing with the security

situation in Somalia is critical, as the government readies itself to completely neutralize AlShabaab militants, in order to restore lasting peace and order.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, emphasized concerted efforts to address the security challenges.

“Once we know the enemy, once we know our capabilities, we know what needs to be done. And once we know what needs to be done, we need resources. We need to sit down together and see how we mobilize these resources”, he said.

Madeira also appealed for enhanced information sharing and intelligence capabilities on the terrorists.

SRCC Madeira joins high-level government delegation to Barawe

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o further plan for the transition, the AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, accompanied a high-level Federal Government of Somalia delegation, led by Prime Minister H.E Hassan Ali Khaire, on a security assessment visit to Barawe, a strategic port city situated in the Lower Shabelle region, on October 15.

The visit took place as deliberations on the drawdown of AU troops from key towns in south central Somalia continued, between AMISOM and the Federal Government, and the Somali security forces.

“For AMISOM to be able to be more effective in this area, there is need for

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Michael Keating arrive in Barawe Lower Shabelle region on a working visit on November 15, 2017.

convergence of vision and support by the partners and the Somalis themselves, so that together we can degrade and destroy Al-Shabaab”, Ambassador Madeira noted.

Under the planned drawdown, the AU troops

will relinquish the security of the key towns, to the Somali forces, through a conditions based transition plan, to allow them take the lead responsibility.

Prime Minister Khaire, assured Barawe residents that

AMISOM will receive the support it requires, to enable it carry on its work of securing the country, until such a time that the local forces are ready to take over.

“We know that you are ready to fight the enemy and we are here in solidarity with you,” he told the residents.

The delegation to Barawe included the President of the South West State H.E Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan; the European Union Ambassador to Somalia Veronique Lorenzo; the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Michael Keating; the Deputy Ambassador of Uganda to Somalia Maj. Gen. Nathan Mugisha; officials from UN, AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia.

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Military Operations U rgent action to mitigate further terror attacks in Somalia was planned in October, following the large scale explosion on October 14, that killed close to 400 people in Mogadishu.

A crisis meeting bringing together the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and other key

Major General Abdiweli Jama Gorod, the Somalia Chief of Defence Forces speaks at a joint crisis management meeting on the review of the 14 October Zoobe Junction bombing. The meeting was held at AMISOM Mission Headquarters in Mogadishu.

stakeholders put in motion measures to reduce the threat of attacks targeted at civilians.

A Joint Crisis Management Team meeting, mobilized by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), was attended by senior UN officials led by the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga, and top FGS security chiefs, including the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Maj. Gen. Abdiweli Jama Hussein, sought ways to better the sharing of intelligence among other things.

AMISOM Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Simon Mulongo noted that the meeting was alive to the need to avert future incidents, through improved security and enhanced coordination.

“The meeting agreed on putting in place some mitigating measures of better response in future. We have a technical team that is going to work out more details in terms of sequence and form of response and how quickly that response can be, and secondly, we shall have our efforts coordinated in a manner that is

Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia speaks at a joint crisis management meeting on the review of the 14 October Zoobe Junction bombing.

The meeting was held at AMISOM Mission Headquarters in Mogadishu on October 25, 2017.

more orderly and ensures that command and control issues are properly fleshed out,” Mulongo explained.

On October 14, 2017, terrorists detonated a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) at a busy junction in Mogadishu, with devastating consequences.

“There are a lot of challenges that need to be addressed at the moment, and which requires us to be united,” stated Maj. Gen. Abdiweli Jama Hussein, the Chief of Defence Forces of Somali National Army (SNA).

Officials from the Somali Federal Government, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), United Nations and other International Partners attend a joint crisis management meeting on the review of the 14 October Zoobe Junction bombing. The meeting was held at AMISOM Mission Headquarters in Mogadishu on October 25, 2017.

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A Ugandan soldier, serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), on guard during an operations to wipe out Alshabaab from the suburbs of Afgooye town, Lower Shabelle Region on November 05, 2017.

Joint Operations in the Lower Shabelle Region

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he AU forces and the Somali National Army troops launched a massive operation to flush out Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region. The joint operation conducted in the first week of November, would be in phases, to ensure the main

supply routes connecting the region and Mogadishu are secured, to allow for the free movement of goods and services, according to Lt. Col. Israel Kaheru Bagenda, the Commanding Officer of 11 Infantry Battalion of Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF)

“The purpose is to ensure that we wipe out the AlShabaab elements in these general areas,” Lt. Col. Bagenda said.

“We must send a clear message to Al-Shabaab wherever they are, that we cannot allow them to sneak back into Afgooye, sneak into Lt. Col. Israel Kaheru Bagenda, Operation Commander of 11 Infantry Battalion of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), speaks to journalists during an operation to wipe out Alshabaab from the suburbs of Afgooye town, Lower Shabelle Region.

Ugandan soldiers, serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), prepare to conduct operations to flush out remnants of Al-Shabaab from the suburbs of Afgooye town, Lower Shabelle region, Somalia.

Bal’ad, Elasha Biyaha, Lafoole, and begin to wreak havoc”.

AMISOM has driven out Al-Shabaab from vast swathes of the country, including key towns in Somalia, through three major military operations namely; Operation Eagle, Operation Indian Ocean and Operation Jubba Corridor.

The objective of the operations was three-fold; to free cities, disrupt the terrorists’ supply routes and prevent them from collecting illegal taxes from the population.

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United Against

The Enemy

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f the October 14 terror attack was meant to break their spirit, then it was counter-productive.

The attack, the most destructive in Somalia’s turbulent history, instead,

brought Somalis together in a show of unity and solidarity, in the fight against terror.

Thousands protested and castigated Al-Shabaab for its onslaught on innocent

Men and women with brooms sweep the rubble and other debris off of the road at the site of a VBIED attack undertaken by the militant group al Shabaab in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on October 15, 2017.

civilians, who are unable to defend themselves.

AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira strongly condemned the attack, with troops and officers from AMISOM, moving swiftly to join rescue and recovery efforts.

“This is an act of cowardice by the terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, and it is intended to coerce the civilian population into fearing and supporting them, but we shall defeat it,” Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Contingent Commander, Brig. Muhanga Kayanja said.

A Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), exploded at a busy junction in the central business district of the city, killing and maiming The African Union Mission in Somalia’s Ugandan Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Kayanja Muhanga, visits hundreds. the site of a VBIED attack conducted by the militant group Al-Shabaab in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

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Troop Contributing Countries Rally Support to October 14 attack victims

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roop Contributing Countries to AMISOM, donated supplies and airlifted critically injured victims for further medical care in their countries. Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti were some of the countries that sent in support.

“We have brought 11 tones of assorted medicines. I am also ready to take 26 patients with me to be admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

And those patients who have suffered spinal injuries, we’ll take them to the National Spinal Injury Hospital in

Nairobi. We pray that God grants the necessary fortitude for all to endure the great loss,” said Retired Maj. Gen. Lucas Tumbo, the Kenyan Ambassador to Somalia.

Somali police officers offload medical supplies donation from Kenyan government in support of the October 14 Mogadishu blast victims at Adan Abdulle International Airport on October 17, 2017.

A victim of the October 14 Mogadishu blast being carried on a stretcher on to a plane for onward treatment in Kenya at Adan Adde International Airport.

Dr. Fawziya Abikar the Federal Minister of Health and Social Services speaks to the media after receiving a donation of medical supplies from the Kenyan government at Adan Adde International Airport on October 17, 2017.

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AMISOM Shores Up Anti IED Efforts

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ue to increasing threats of Improvised Explosive Devices to civilians and security forces, AMISOM convened a meeting in Mogadishu, to review threats and dangers posed by IEDs and develop counter IED capability in Somalia.

The symposium held in September was attended by representatives from the AU Mission, the Somali security forces, the UN and the British forces.

“I expect actionable recommendations brought forward, so that guidance can be given to all sectors from the Force Headquarters and the recommendations to the African Union’s Peace Support Operations Division for action,” Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh, the AMISOM Force Commander said, during

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the official opening of the three-day symposium, which was sponsored by the UK government and the United Nations Mine Assistance Mission (UNMAS).

Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh noted that previous workshops held on IEDs, had led to increased awareness and knowledge, leading to a significant increase in discovered explosives and their safe disposal.

“To reduce the threat of IEDs, a combination of education, training, good reporting, exchange of information, degrading the network of the terrorists and investment in equipment to defeat the IEDs is required,” emphasized the Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC), for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira.

Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, hands over a certificate to Maj. Daniel Reilly from British Army, during the closing ceremony of a seminar on countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Mogadishu.

Discussions focused on how to effectively control the widespread use of such explosives by terror

organizations such as AlShabaab.

“There is no silver bullet, there is no magic bullet,

Officers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other international partners, attend the closing ceremony of a seminar on countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Mogadishu, Somalia.

there is no one solution to solving this IED challenge,” the Commander of the British Forces, Colonel John Wakelin said. “There is no one bit of funding, there is no one technique or tactic that is going to fix this. It is a blend,” he added.

The use of a multipronged approach to fight against IEDs was noted as one way of dealing effectively with the challenge.

Mr. Amadu Kamara, the Director of Mission Support at the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) expressed the need to develop “effective IED mitigation strategies, as part of the wider comprehensive approach to security in south central Somalia”.

Symposium recommits to counter widespread use of explosives

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n his remarks, Mr. Allan McDonald, the Director of UNMAS emphasized the importance of passing on the knowledge gained to the troops on the front line, most especially to the Somali security forces, in line with efforts to support Somali led operations, ahead of the planned drawdown of AU forces.

Participants recommended effective development and enhancement of intelligence collecting capabilities by the AU and Somali security forces, as an effective countermeasure to the IED problem.

“We can only handover responsibility to a force (SNA) that has capacity to operate like we are, if not better. And so, as we train the AMISOM

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Amadu Kamara, the Director of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), look at a sample of equipment during a seminar on countering IEDs in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 25, 2017.

forces, we must in equal or perhaps higher measure train the national forces,” remarked AMISOM’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia Simon Mulongo.

Recommendations from the symposium were shared with the African Union’s Peace Support Operations Division for further action.

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Somalia Hosts First Ever HighLevel Security Conference

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high-level security conference on Somalia held in the first week of December 2017, agreed to an “urgent development of a realistic, conditionsbased transition plan”, to transfer the national security responsibility from the AU Mission in Somalia, to the Somali security forces.

“This plan must be guided by the rule of law, respect for human rights and should

include countering violent extremism, stabilization and governance,” a communique issued by the Federal Minister of Information Mr. Abdirahman Omar Osman, read in part.

The conference held in the capital Mogadishu, also agreed to the development of a plan for the process of the transition

by December 31, 2017, “with a view of completing a draft transition plan, before a Joint Review of AMISOM in 2018”.

“This will need close cooperation and partnership between the FGS (Federal Government of Somalia) and FMS (Federal Member States), and between the Somali government and AMISOM, in order to ensure clear outcomes”.

Under the transition plan, a strategy will be put in place to set out conditions for the transition. It will, among other things, provide for “affordable, accountable and

International diplomats attend Somalia Security Conference held in Mogadishu, Somalia, on December 4, 2017.

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Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, the President of the Federal Government of Somalia, addresses participants during the Somalia Security Conference held in Mogadishu, Somalia.

acceptable forces”, capable of providing security across Somalia.

“AMISOM will continue to support the transition, through priority tasks, set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2372”, the communique stated.

The tasks which will be undertaken through joint efforts between AMISOM and SNA, include securing of Main Supply Routes, securing of key population centres; as

A section of International diplomats attend Somalia Security Conference held in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Participants attend Somalia Security Conference held in Mogadishu, Somalia, on December 4, 2017.

well as mentoring the Somali security forces in the military and Police.

Participants agreed to an immediate implementation of the National Security Architecture, which is central to achieving sustainable security reform, and a transition of primary responsibility of security

from AMISOM to the Somali security forces.

Priority areas for implementation included the integration of regional forces into the Somali security forces.

Continued international support to build the capacity of Somali security forces and relevant institutions was also

highlighted for immediate action.

The Somali Security Conference was officially opened by the President of the Federal Government of Somalia H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo”, who underlined the progress made towards implementing key security reforms and enhancing unity between the Federal Government and Federal Member States.

“The Operational Readiness Assessment is completed and we have learned the strengths, gaps and lessons for the Police and National Army. We will use this as a springboard to identify and implement necessary reforms,” President Farmajo said in his opening remarks to the meeting.

Presidents of Somalia’s regional states and Mayor of Mogadishu attend Somalia Security Conference held in Mogadishu, Somalia, on December 4, 2017.

The President stressed his government’s commitment to taking the lead in the security sector, but noted an urgent need to capacitate the Somali security forces, before transitioning the security responsibilities to them.

The AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano emphasized the unity of Somali leaders as a key prerequisite to achieving lasting peace. He said security reforms in Somalia cannot be effectively implemented in the absence of unity.

“The unity of the Somali leadership is needed for these challenges to be tackled and addressed comprehensively, concurrently and with renewed determination,” he said.

Convened by the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM and the UN, the thrust of the Security Conference was the progress of the Comprehensive Approach to Security in the country, as a follow-up to the May 2017 London Conference.

During the Partnership Forum, Somalia’s development partners committed to predictable and sustainable support for the country.

The high-level forum was attended by representatives of 25 countries and 6 multilateral organizations, the presidents of the country’s five Federal Member States and the head of the Benadir Regional Administration that encompasses Mogadishu.

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Capacity Building for NISA

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s part of continued efforts to build the capacity of the Somali security forces, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) convened a workshop in Mogadishu, on the screening of disengaged Al-Shabaab combatants.

The workshop attended by NISA officers drawn from all of the country’s federal member states, aimed at reviewing standard operating procedures and building the capacity of NISA in screening the ex-combatants.

The screening process is an essential part of the National Programme for the Treatment and Handling of Disengaged Combatants in Somalia.

The workshop discussed various ways of combating terrorism and ensuring that disengaged Al-Shabaab combatants who want to be reintegrated into communities receive the support they require.

Abdirashid Ibrahim Mohamed, the director of the Defectors Rehabilitation Program in the federal Ministry of Internal Security, addresses participants during a workshop on capacity building for Somali security forces held in Mogadishu on July 04, 2017.

Zenaide Gatelli, Chief of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration unit of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) presents a certificate to an officer at the end a workshop on capacity building for Somali security forces held in Mogadishu on July 05, 2017.

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Communities Use Football To End Inter-Clan Conflict

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ired of warring, some communities in Somalia have taken the bold step of downing their weapons and engaging their adversaries in competitive sports instead.

In order to reap from the dividends of peace, the communities are making smart choices – cohesion over hostility. In Marka town, in Lower Shabelle region, communities are using football matches to engage in mediation and promote reconciliation.

Members of two rival clans who have fought each other for years, set aside their differences and unified in a game of football.

The friendly match between the Bimal and the Abirigidir clansmen, was held in Ceeljale in September, on a pitch built through community efforts.

The pitch was constructed by locals, with the help of the Civil Military Coordination Team of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), who worked with

the community to clear and level an open field. The field was donated by an elder.

The rival clans gathered and cheered their teams Marka Ayub football team and Ceeljaale football team - in the inaugural match, which ended in a nil-nil draw.

The match followed mediation and negotiation meetings spearheaded by the AMISOM Civil-Military Coordination team and Colonel Bonny Ogwal, the

AMISOM earth movers help to level land in order to create a football pitch for two warring clans in Marka, Somalia, who have come to a peace agreement.

The two clans have a history of fighting each other, despite this, they have now both agreed to cease fighting through the help of dialogue and negotiation brokered by AMISOM forces in the area.

Commander of the Ugandan Battle Group XXII in charge of the area.

“We undertake such community initiatives as part of our continuous effort to build and sustain relations with the local population that we work with in ensuring security. The football match

Two teams formed from two formerly warring clans pose for a group photograph before playing a football match against each other in Marka, Somalia, on September 28, 2017. The two clans have a history of fighting each other, despite this, they have now both agreed to cease fighting through the help of dialogue and negotiation brokered by AMISOM forces in the area.

was made possible because of the relative peace attained in Somalia today, allowing the population to engage in social activities and sports,” Major Robert Kamara, the AMISOM Ugandan contingent spokesperson.

The idea of a football match was mooted by the local administration of Lower Shabelle, who requested AMISOM for support, to clear an area and set up a sports ground, after a local elder donated part of his unused land, in support of the initiative.

The local community joined efforts to create a sports facility. With AMISOM’s support, they used bulldozers to level the surface, and create an ideal football pitch.

Football is a hugely popular sport in Somalia and is commonly used to mobilize the youth in the promotion of peace activities.

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Fighting Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers in Armed Conflict

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MISOM trained sixty officers from the Somali security forces in the prevention of recruitment and use of child soldiers in conflict.

The two-week training held in September and supported by the British government and the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, through the Dalhousie University of Canada, drew participants from the Somali military, police and intelligence services. Representatives of non-governmental organizations, federal and regional level member states, also participated in the workshop.

“We should spare these children from being recruited into radicalism, from being recruited into committing acts of violence against their own people, against their own country and against their own neighbors,” Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, the Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, said

Participants from various Somalia’s Security Institutions attend AMISOM Training of Trainers Course on prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers during Armed Conflict in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 14, 2017.

in his remarks during the course of the capacity building workshop.

Noting that the use of child soldiers in conflict was widespread in Somalia, the AU Special Representative expressed the need to develop statistics on the extent of the problem.

“It’s difficult to know exactly how many underage children are involved in this battle. We have to say it’s widespread, particularly within the Al-Shabaab

ranks,” Ambassador Madeira stated.

The training focused on the identification of child soldiers, the prevention of their recruitment, their rehabilitation and reintegration.

Ambassador Madeira said, the training was co-facilitated

by Somalis previously trained in other trainings undertaken

by AMISOM. “This blueprint is part of AMISOM’s exit strategy and is aimed at capacitating

McNeil Jennifer, Training Coordinator of Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative (RDCSI) makes a presentation during AMISOM Training of Trainers Course on the prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers during Armed Conflict in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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Somalis to take responsibility for training their own counterparts,” he explained.

The British Ambassador to Somalia, Mr. David Concar, attributed the widespread recruitment of child soldiers in Somalia to violent extremism propagated by the Al-Shabaab militant group.

“It does a huge harm to communities and it is holding back the cause of peace in this part of Africa,” Mr. Concar noted.

“So we take this problem very seriously. We want to do something about it.

That’s why we are working with the African Union through AMISOM and with the Federal Government of Somalia to fund special targeted training,” he added.

The training was coordinated by Mr. Musa Gbow, AMISOM’s Child Protection Advisor.

“The purpose of the training was to pre-select potential trainers who in turn will be trained sometime in October during a Training of Trainers session, so that they can continue to propagate the message and train their counterparts across the country,” Mr. Gbow explained.

AMISOM Hands Back University to Somali Government

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MISOM officially handed over the premises of the Somali National University back to the federal government authorities, relinquishing control of the institution, which it had occupied for a decade.

AU troops from Burundi contingent first occupied the university in 2007, starting off as a small Forward Operating Base, and later evolving into a Battalion headquarters to coordinate operations against Al-Shabaab; succeeding to drive

The newly constructed lecture classes at the Somali National university on July 11, 2017.

the militants out of Mogadishu, through combined efforts with other AU troops.

The handover on July 11 paved way for the re-opening of the learning institution. “AMISOM, with this event, is showing clearly that we have started the transition

Guests at the handover ceremony of the Somali National University held in Mogadishu, Somalia, Somalia on July 11, 2017.

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Guests at the handover ceremony of the Somali National University held in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Mohamed Ahmed Jimale, Rector of Somali National University, speaks during the handover ceremony of the Somali National University held in Mogadishu, Somalia.

to the Somalis. We are transitioning the University of Somalia from a military barracks, back into an institution of higher learning and putting it back into the hands of the Somalis,” Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, the AU Special Representative for Somalia told guests at the handover ceremony, which was officiated by the Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Abdirahman Dahir Osman.

The troops who had set base at the university were relocated to the headquarters of AMISOM Sector 5, in Jowhar, in an exercise that commenced in April 2016. The AU Special Representative said relinquishing control of the university was the “start of the gradual process to hand over security to the Somali National Security Forces”, adding that it

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Abdirahman Dahir Osman, Somali Federal Minister for Higher Education, cut the ribbon during the handover ceremony of the Somali National University held in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 11, 2017.

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demonstrates how Somalis are leading efforts to reconstruct their country.

“This hand over ceremony is an affirmation that the Al-Shabaab days are numbered. They controlled this city for many years. But where are they today?

They are in the bush,” Amb. Madeira remarked.

Established in 1954, the university closed its doors as a result of the outbreak of the civil war in 1991. However, it reopened its constituent colleges in August 2014, to offer specialized training, after a return to relative peace in Somalia.

“We are here for a sort of triple celebration. One, is to recognize the role of AMISOM and in this case, the Burundi contingent, more broadly AMISOM, working in partnership with the Somali security forces in securing this place and so much of Somalia in the last difficult 10 years and I pay deep tribute to that,” Mr. Michael Keating, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia said in his address.

Mr. Abdirahman Dahir Osman, the federal Minister for Higher Education described the handover as “a symbol of the rebirth of Somalia”.

“We give priority to security, economic development and importantly, education. We believe that education lays the foundation for sustainable development,” the minister said.

His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Jimale, the Rector of the university, who said handing back the premises to the Federal Government “marked a return of peace, security and stability”, in Somalia.

ITF Launches Somalia CivilMilitary Working Group Report

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MISOM and its partners launched the Somalia Civil-Military Working Group Report on September 8. The report details achievements made in humanitarian support in Somalia, in the past three years.

The report, jointly produced by AMISOM and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), will also help guide future humanitarian operations as Somalia moves to establish structures for quick disaster response.

“When we have a CivilMilitary Working Group coming up to reconsider what should be the best way of relating between the military and the humanitarian agencies, it is a very welcome gesture, whose formation must be taken very seriously,” Deputy SRCC Simon Mulongo stated at the function attended by senior AMISOM officials, representatives of UN agencies and members of the diplomatic corps.

He hailed the cordial relationship between AMISOM and the humanitarian agencies, saying it has helped improve coordination in delivering the much needed aid to local communities.

He noted that the ever changing dynamics in Somalia and the rise in the number of humanitarian actors, calls for even greater coordination between the military and humanitarian agencies, to ensure aid gets to areas hard to access.

Participants from the United Nations and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), attend a meeting on Civil Military working group held in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 7, 2017.

“The increasing number of humanitarian actors who are operating in this Mission requires that AMISOM and OCHA have effective working relations. On our part, we are confident that such joint efforts will help us not only understand our similarities but also resolve the differences,” the Deputy SRCC explained.

Justin Brady, the Head of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Somalia, noted that since the focus of humanitarian agencies in Somalia is shifting to famine prevention, improved relations with the military is imperative if aid is to reach impoverished communities, in hard to reach areas.

“The past nine months has shown that we are not just in a typical protracted crisis in Somalia, but rather we have shifted into a famine prevention mode and that is where the relationship with the military has become more

important so that we can ensure the delivery of very vital supplies into areas that are not always accessible in order to assist communities stave off potential famine,” Brady said.

He however warned that Somalia was not out of the woods yet, in relation to the famine threat, saying the country was still in need of assistance which requires coordination between humanitarian agencies and the military.

“We still have a long way to go. Perhaps we have reduced the areas that are in harm’s way of potential famine but the threat still exists and we will continue to seek to deliver in a scaled up manner, and that will require coordination with the military actors,” he stated.

Apart from detailing the progress made in the humanitarian sector, the report calls for the development and compliance to Somalia Country Specific Humanitarian Guidelines

to help in tackling future humanitarian crises.

The report says AMISOM, with the support and guidance of the CivilMilitary Working Group (CMWG) had demonstrated it could play an effective role in facilitating humanitarian access through the use of Mission assets as ‘last resort’, ensuring assistance reached the people in need.

The report also notes that a challenging operating environment like Somalia requires close cooperation and coordination with state authorities, donors and humanitarian partners.

Following lengthy deliberations in 2014, AMISOM and the UN, with humanitarian partners, signed and endorsed the Somalia Country Specific Humanitarian Civil-Military Guidelines for humanitarian actor’s engagement with AMISOM. The country specific guidelines govern relations on civil-military coordination in Somalia.

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Food items on a truck at a ceremony to handover an assortment of food items donated by the African Union Commission Chairperson to Somali Federal Government in Mogadishu.

AU Donates Food Supplies to Somalia’s Drought Victims

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he African Union donated food items worth $100,000 in aid of drought victims in Somalia.

The 67 metric tonnes of goods comprised of rice, sugar, beans and vegetable oil was officially handed over to the Federal Government officials by the head of the Mission, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on October 10.

During his visit to Somalia last March, Mr. Mahamat pledged humanitarian support, after an international appeal for emergency assistance by the Federal Government of Somalia. The appeal saw an unprecedented response by the Somali people and the international community,

raising a total of $1.1 billion, towards intervention measures to avert famine.

“Whereas this condition [drought] has had some slight differences, the humanitarian plight in Somalia still requires continued and stepped up support. During the Commission Chairperson’s announcement of a donation of $100,000 by the AU, to assist the victims of drought, he expressed his wish, which others should emulate,” Ambassador Madeira remarked, adding that the situation in Somalia remains fragile.

SRCC Madeira made an undertaking to ensure AMISOM continues supporting the Somali government and the humanitarian agencies to access and support populations in need of assistance.

AMISOM, UN and Somali federal government officials at a ceremony to handover an assortment of food items donated by the African Union Commission Chairperson to Somali Federal Government in Mogadishu on October 10, 2017.

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“AMISOM will work closely with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and local community leaders to ensure that food supplies are distributed and reach the people in need of assistance,” he said.

Receiving the donation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr. Moalim Mohamed expressed gratitude, noting that due to support from different quotas, Somalia had succeeded in averting famine.

“Somalis in every part of the world were very much involved in raising funds to help their brothers and sisters. The international community has also done a tremendous job of providing much needed emergency supplies to the people of Somalia,” Mr. Moalim said.

He added that the government is working on mechanisms to reduce the impact of the recurrent drought by finding long term solutions to enable Somalia to be more productive.

The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Somalia, Peter de Clercq, commended the African Union for the timely donation.

He also applauded the Somali government and its people, for taking lead in drought response and aiding those in need.

“We are extremely proud of the African Union not just for the donation and for showing that the continent is very much involved in its own issues, but also for the role it has played in terms of access and security in this country, which made the drought relief operation a success,” de Clercq noted.

AMISOM At A Glance Force Commander visits Kenyan troops serving under AMISOM in Somalia

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n October, the AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh spent three-days with the Kenyan troops under AMISOM, based in Sector II in Jubbaland state.

The Force Commander visited the troops stationed in Dhobley, Afmadhow and Kismayo and thanked them for their sacrifices and efforts at pacifying Somalia.

Accompanied by the Sector Two Commander, Brigadier William Shume, and other senior officers from the AMISOM Force Headquarters, Lt. Gen. Soubagleh expressed satisfaction with the work the troops were doing.

In Afmadhow, a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for KDF troops, the Force Commander was received by the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col Ptiony.

He later commissioned Afmadhow Hospital which was renovated by KDF soldiers as part of their Civil-Military obligations.

“I thank you the people of Afmadhow.

You have played your role in contributing to peace and security and you are doing your best. AMISOM troops and Jubbaland forces are appreciative of your contribution and they are happy working with you,” Lt. Gen. Soubagleh told Afmadhow residents after commissioning the hospital.

The Force Commander handed over food and drugs donated by the soldiers to the Afmadhow District

Corporal Martha Maroa, receives her recognition medal from AMISOM Sector II Commander Brig.

William Shume at during a visit by AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh to Dhobley on November 06, 2017.

Commissioner, Mohamed Sheikh Dakane, to be distributed to the local community.

“For human beings to enjoy complete life, they need security. Once you get peace, then you can seek education, healthcare, cultivate farms and can engage in business,” said the District Commissioner.

Afmadhow elders poured praises on AMISOM and encouraged the

troops to continue the fight against the insurgents.

“I appeal to the Force Commander that since you’re the commander of AMISOM troops in Somalia; to leave a lasting legacy, you need to degrade AlShabaab” elder Abdi Olal stated.

Gen Soubagleh also visited another Forward Operating Base in Tabda, 40 kilometres from Dhobley, where he interacted with the troops.

Communities in Dhobley in Lower Juba region benefit from AMISOM support

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omali communities living in Dhobley, in Lower Juba region in southwestern Somalia have benefitted from various activities carried out by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops, under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The troops have been holding medical camps, renovating schools, hospitals, places of worship and donating scholastic

materials, in support of needy communities under their area of responsibility.

The troops in Sector II, which is headquartered in Dhobley, organized a free medical camp for residents of Busaar location, where they treated common ailments and performed minor surgeries.

The troops also donated building materials for the Kenyan soldiers, belonging to the African Union Mission in Somalia, take part in humanitarian renovation of a mosque activities including medical check ups, circumcision, the donation of cements and paint to the in Busaar; donated local mosque, and Koran’s to the local community.

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copies of the Holy Quran and a public address system - which will be used by residents during community gatherings.

At Wamo Primary and Secondary School located in Dhobley town, the troops painted the school’s gate and perimeter wall and donated over 100 desks, as well as book shelves. The school has a population of 350 students.

AMISOM-KDF Contingent Commander Brigadier William Shume, the school’s administration and local leaders attended the handover ceremony of the scholastic materials.

In Abdalle Birole location, in the same sector, the KDF

medical personnel conducted offered a free medical checkup and provided treatment to residents.

Over the past months, the Kenyan contingent has also partnered with the local administration to distribute

Kenyan soldiers, belonging to the African Union Mission in Somalia, take part in humanitarian activities including medical check ups, circumcision, the donation of cements and paint to the local mosque, and Koran’s to the local community.

relief supplies and portable water to communities affected by drought in the region.

The troops have also supported their counterparts in the Somali National Army (SNA), to ring fences and excavate trenches around SNA camps, to prevent Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) from breaching defence positions.

AMISOM is committed to securing and improving the living standards of Somalis across south central Somalia, especially in areas where they have forward operating bases.

AMISOM troops in Sector III feted after completion of 14-month mission

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n July, a ceremony was held in Baidoa, the administrative capital of the South West state, in honor of an ENDF-AMISOM contingent for its successful completion of their mission in Bay, Bakool & Gedo region.

The event was attended by officials from Interim Southwest Administration (ISWA), UNSOM, UNSOS, UNMAS, police, SNA, NISA, traditional elders, women groups, local journalists and members of the civil society.

The soldiers served the communities in the three regions for 14 months under the leadership of outgoing Sector 3 Commander General Gabremeskel Gebrezigabe.

The soldiers were awarded with medals and certificates of appreciation.

“I would like to thank ISWA (South West State) and the communities living in Sector 3 for standing side- byside with our soldiers,” said General Gabremeskel.

A representative of ISWA, Mr. Mohamed Hassan Fiqi, hailed the troops for their sacrifices to peace in Somalia.

“We worked really well with ENDF-AMISOM troops in the past 14 months. Their support was not limited to fighting Al-Shabaab.

The troops took part in the drought response and emergencies that came with

Outgoing Sector 3 Commander, General Gabremeskel (foreground), with the Amisom Force Commander follows proceedings at an End of Tour of Duty ceremony in Baidoa, Somalia, on July 15.

it such as helping tackle the Cholera crisis,” Mr. Fiqi said.

AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Osman Noor

Soubagleh, who was present at the event congratulated the troops for their impactful peace support operations.

ENDF AMISOM Troops mark the 26 Anniversary of Ginbot 20

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n May 28, AMISOM Troops from the ENDF marked the 26 Anniversary of Ginbot 20, which marks the down fall of the repressive military regime in Ethiopia.

AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Soubagle and other partners attend the colourful event.

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AMISOM troops liberate Cali-fool-dheere

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MISOM troops in joint operations with the Somali National Army (SNA), carried out a largescale operation on August 3rd 2017 to liberate Cali-fool-dheere, in order to free populations living in the villages from Al-Shabaab control.

The troops from BNDF’s 43rd battalion together with the Somali

National Army, under the command of Colonel Léonidas Nindereye, planned their onslaught on the militants in Mahaday.

“The main purpose of this operation is not only to allow the free movement of Burundian troops in sector 5 and opening the Main Supply Routes (MSR), but also to liberate the population of the

locality taken hostage by the terrorists Al-Shabaab” Col. Nindereye said.

The terrorists had laid Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) to disrupt and delay the troops’ movement; however, due to the vigilance and professionalism of the Burundian troops, these explosive devices were removed and the troops continued wth their operations.

The locality of Call-foordhere was liberated without resistance from the insurgents, who fled to Jimbilow forest.

The Burundian troops and the Somali National Army pursued them for days and they disappeared in the thickets of the forest. The troops continue to search for the pockets where the terrorists may be hiding.

The operation followed recommendations of a joint meeting of AMISOM and the Somali Federal Government held in July 2017 in Mogadishu, which called for all sectors to carry out joint operations in order to completely degrade Al- Shabaab, to enable the opening of Main Supply Routes.The MSRs will also facilitate trade among the Somali population.

New Battle Group from Uganda deploys in Somalia

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new Battle Group from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (Battle Group 22), deployed in Somalia in July, to replace Battle Group 19.

The soldiers were received on arrival in Mogadishu by Brigadier Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander of the Uganda Contingent.

“We expect them to achieve much more than even Battle Group 19. Of course, (ensuring) security along the Main Supply Routes (MSR) is paramount and the security

of the population is very important and also fighting to degrade the Al-Shabaab.

That’s why we are here to support the Government in its functions,” Brig. Muhanga said.

Battle Group 19 departed Somalia on July 21 after a year’s tour of duty. The troops had served the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Marka, Lower Shabelle region. Brigadier Muhanga decorated the first batch of departing troops with medals and

Newly deployed troops who will serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia disembark a plane from Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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also presented them with certificates of recognition.

“Battle Group XIX has been operating in a very difficult area; that is in Marka district in Lower Shabelle region. They have done a good job in that area,” the Contingent Commander noted.

“They have been protecting the civilians. You know we have Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps. They have offered security to the populations in

AMISOM Sector one Contingent Commander, Brig. Kayanja Muhanga, presents a certificate to an officer who has completed a one year tour of duty in Somalia.

different areas, in different IDP camps and in the center,” he added.

Lower Shabelle region is one of the regions in Somalia that was severely affected by the drought.

Thousands of families fled their homes to live in settlements for internally displaced persons, where they could easily access humanitarian aid. Most of IDP camps are protected by the Somali security forces jointly with AMISOM troops.

New Burundi battle group arrives in Somalia

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new battle group of the Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) arrived in Somalia in August, commencing a year’s tour of duty.

The 45th battalion of the BDNF, led by Lt. Col. Philbert Hatungimana, replaced battalion 39.

Lt. Col. Hatungimana expressed the troops’ readiness to contribute to peace and stability in Somalia.

“My expectation in this mission is to help restore peace and stability in Somalia and to help the people of Somalia regain peace,” he said.

Another battalion, the 44th Battalion, also arrived in Somalia in August, to take over from the 38thbattalion.

Burundi was the second country after Uganda to deploy soldiers to Somalia, to help restore peace and stability, after a prolonged civil war. Other Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) are Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti.

Freshly deployed Burundian troops arrive in Mogadishu to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peace support operation on August 20, 2017.

Gesture of Friendship from Middle Shabelle Region

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he Muslim community in Middle Shabelle donated ten cows to AMISOM Burundi troops stationed in the Middle

Shabelle region, for Eid Al Adha celebrations.

The gesture, which was considered as a sign of friendship, was also a sign of

AMISOM Troops Receive Gesture of Friendship from Middle Shabelle Region.

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good relationship between the AMISOM Burundian contingent and the local Somali community.

The Chief of Staff of the 10th contingent, Colonel Alphonse Rwintwari, on behalf of the Contingent commander, thanked the community for the donation and their kindness, at a

ceremony attended by the governor of Middle Shabelle, and the Mahaday District Commissioner.

“You work day and night under difficult conditions.

You even sacrifice your life so that the Somali people can find peace and security, we are grateful for it”, said the Governor.

Uganda’s New Chief of Defence Forces Visits Somalia

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he Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) General David Muhoozi made an official visit to Somalia, in August.

The visit to Somalia on a routine assessment mission, was his first since his appointment as Chief of Defence Forces.

During his visit, he interacted with troops, inspected their bases and engaged with several leaders.

He was accompanied to Somalia by the senior UPDF officials.

“The purpose of the visit is to check on the troops; it is a routine visit but also coming on the heels of the recent incident in Goryowein. It was planned that we come and meet the officers and men in the Mission area and that is the purpose of my coming today,” Gen. Muhoozi said on arrival in Mogadishu.

The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), of the Uganda People’s Defence Force Gen David Muhoozi being received by senior officers of the Ugandan contingent serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Gen. Muhoozi held meetings with AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh and the AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira to understand the operations better. They discussed the current security situation in Somalia and measures being taken to support the peace process.

“I want to express my recognition and thanks to the people and government of Uganda for their generosity and commitment to the objectives of the African Union. I want to really express my profound admiration for the brave soldiers of AMISOM Ugandan Contingent for the wonderful work they are doing here,” Ambassador Madeira said, after their meeting.

He lauded Uganda’s contribution to the AU Mission, saying the troops had made a major contribution to Somalia’s stabilization. The SRCC condoled with the families of gallant soldiers who have fallen in the battle to rid the country of terrorists.

In his remarks, the Uganda CDF paid tribute to the troops who bravely fought AlShabaab militants in a recent ambush in Goryowein, in Lower Shabelle region.

“I appeal to them to stand firm, to stay the course knowing too well that we can’t be derailed by what happened,” Gen. Muhoozi said. “We are with them in thought and those that lay their lives here, don’t do so in vain.”

Uganda was the first country to deploy troops in Somalia in March 2007 and contributes at least 6000 troops to the AU Mission.

Somali and Djibouti parliament speakers visit Beledweyne

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he Speaker of the Federal Parliament’s House of the People Prof. Mohamed Osman Jawari and his Djibouti counterpart Somali Hon. Mohamed Ali Hamid recently visited Belet Weyne, a town in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia, to meet the local administration and state legislators.

The two leaders also visited the Sector 4 headquarters in Hiiraan, which is the area of responsibility for the Djibouti contingent serving under AMISOM, where they held

talks with the commanders of the Djiboutian military.

Djibouti is one of the AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries combating terrorist group Al-Shabaab, alongside troops from Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. The purpose of the visit was to encourage the troops and commend them for the sacrifices they have made to keep the people of Somalia safe.

The President of HirShabelle regional administration, H.E Mohamed Abdi Waare, joined

Speaker of the Federal parliament’s House of the People Prof. Mohamed Osman Jawari accompanies the Djibouti Speaker of Parliament Hon. Mohamed Ali Hamid to a meeting with the Hiiraan administration, shortly after arrival n Belet Weyne. The two were met by the President of HirShabbele H.E Mohamed Abdi Waare (in a blue Kaunda suit).

the speakers during the visit. The visiting Djiboutian Speaker held discussions with the HirShabelle leader on wide-ranging issues. The Djiboutian Speaker was on

an official visit to Somalia during which he addressed members of the Federal Parliament, and attended a session of the ‘House of the People’.

Djiboutian troops complete tour of duty

T AMISOM Djiboutian troops in Sector 4 mount a parade during a ceremony to mark the end of their tour of duty in Somalia on 17 December 2017, in Belet Weyne. The troops were awarded certificates of distinguished service during the ceremony.

he Djiboutian contingent held a ceremony for troops that completed their tour of duty in Somalia.

The Djiboutian Chief commander, Hassan Jama officiated the sendoff ceremony for the troops, at the AMISOM Sector 4 headquarters.

During the ceremony, the troops mounted a parade and were awarded certificates of recognition to mark the completion of their distinguished service, under the AU Mission.

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Somalia sets priorities for defector rehabilitation

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he Somali Defector Rehabilitation Programme (DRP) has set out a detailed work plan on integrating and rehabilitating converts from violent opposition groups.

The priority plans include defector disarmament and community engagement at local level, training and technical support for the DRP, network building, financing and resource mobilization, advocacy and monitoring, establishing proper communication and reporting network, creation of defector rehabilitation database, and outreach.

To facilitate communication and reporting, a coordination committee would be established to draw DRP, the National Intelligence Services, and other State agencies. The detailed work plan will be implemented from next January through to December 2018.

These priority pillars were crafted at an intensive four-day training on the rehabilitation and reintegration of defectors. The workshop was funded by the Danish Government and organized

by DRP and AMISOM, in November, in Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi.

Eleven staff of the DRP and participants from international organizations, such as International Organization of Migration (IOM),

Abdirashid Ibrahim Mohammed (R) Director of defectors Rehabilitation Program flanked with Dr. C.A Mumma Mertinon, Dr. Opiyo Ododa and Mr Fadhil Karrar present a certificate to Ingvild Magnes Goesvik from Norwegian Institute of International Affairs during the closing ceremony of the workshop on defectors Rehabilitation and Counter Violent Extremism Workshop for Somalia held Nairobi, Kenya.

Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, the UN and the British Embassy attended the workshop, which opened on Monday.

“This was an important workshop for my group,” said DRP director Cabdirashiid Ibrahim Maxamed at the closing ceremony. “AMISOM has taken a lot of time to ensure we take advantage of what they have been teaching us.”

He said his organization required a lot of capacity building. “The organizers have taken a lot of time to prepare such a wonderful workshop. On behalf of the Somali government, I am grateful.”

The training was the first in a series DRP had lined up to build the capacity of staff, he said. “We hope we are going to have more of this.”

Dr. Opiyo Ododa, Head of AMISOM Stabilization and Early Recovery, addresses the closing ceremony of the workshop on defectors Rehabilitation and Counter Violent Extremism Workshop for Somalia held Nairobi, Kenya, on November 30, 2017.

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During the opening ceremony Mr. Ibrahim Maxamed said 2,000 defectors had already been successfully reintegrated into society since the programme began in 2011.

The programme revolves around outreach, reception of the defectors, screening, rehabilitation and reintegration.

“You can understand the risk they can cause if not well integrated,” Ibrahim said, in reference to Al-Shabaab ex-combatants and other armed groups.

Dr. Ododa Opiyo, AMISOM’s Senior Civil Affairs Officer who is also the Mission’s Head of Stabilization and Recovery, said the workshop had come up with “set priorities developed by participants to be met within the timeframe agreed upon (by the participants themselves).”

AMISOM, he said, would work with DRP to ensure success of the programme’s objectives, including support to its activities.

“I am happy that we have reached at a point when we have direction set to ourselves. During the interaction, we have appreciated the amount of work (to be done).”

The successful training covered political reintegration, radicalization processes and approaches, financing and resource mobilization, disarmament processes, profiling and eligibility criteria for DRP. According to UN Resolution 2372 (2017), AMISOM, coordinating with the UN and the Federal Government of Somalia, receive, on a transitory basis, defectors. This is not only to reduce the threat by Al-Shabaab and other militant groups. But also to assist the Somalia security forces to provide peace and order in Somalia.

Policing in Somalia AMISOM Police Commissioner ends tour of duty in Somalia

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rigadier General Anand Pillay, the immediate former Police Commissioner with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), left the Mission on 29 November 2017, after the end his tour of duty.

Brig. Gen. Pillay who joined the AU Mission in 2014, is credited with championing and operationalizing key reforms in the Somali police sector, in the federal government and regional states.

Under his leadership, AMISOM Police rolled out an elaborate capacity building plan for the Somali Police Force, which included screening, recruiting, training and mentoring Somali police officers.

He ensured the training and skilling of over 3,500

Somali police officers and the establishment of systems and processes, including the introduction of a biometric database for the police force within the Somali Police Force.

Also, under his tenure, AMISOM Police extended its services to newly recovered areas; and expanded its operations to the state capitals, in Baidoa in South West state, Jowhar in HirShabelle state, Dhobley and Kismayo in Lower Jubba region and Beletweyne in Hiiraan region.

“I can say categorically, that he (Pillay) has served with merit, with strategic leadership and the achievements are there, for everybody to see,” Mr. Alex Dundun, the AMISOM Police Chief of Staff said, during a send off ceremony for the outgoing Police Commissioner.

Immediate former AMISOM Police Commissioner Brig. Gen. Anand Pillay (in the middle, without a cap) cutting a cake with his colleagues at a send-off ceremony, held in his honor.

“You were the first person to implement the new policing model, we have seen you successfully securing the elections, you have been successful in trying to push, so that we go to the recovered areas, despite the challenges that are there,” AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner Ms. Christine Alalo noted.

“On behalf of the SRCC and the whole of AMISOM,

I wish you the best in your future endeavors,” Major General (Rtd) Fidza Dludlu, the AMISOM Head of Mission Support told Pillay, and praised him for spearheading the construction and rehabilitation of various police stations across south central Somalia, in a bid to ensure law and order, especially in newly recovered areas.

AMISOM and the UN launch Joint Police Patrol training in Gaalkacyo

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MISOM and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), launched joint training for a group of police officers from Puntland and Galmudug states in July, to prepare them in carrying out joint patrols in Gaalkacyo, as part of a ceasefire agreement.

The training took place under the auspices

of the Gaalkacyo Ceasefire Agreement signed on January 1, 2017, by the Puntland and Galmudug State Presidents.

Under the agreement, patrol teams from both states would be trained to help enforce the cessation of hostilities between the two administrations.

At least 100 police officers who will oversee the implementation of

the Gaalkacyo Ceasefire Agreement took part in the inaugural joint training launched at Gaalkacyo Community Centre.

Under the Gaalkacyo ceasefire deal, leaders from the two states have also committed to withdraw troops and remove roadblocks, in order to allow free movement of people and goods.

“The joint police patrol is the beginning of the Somali integration process.

We don’t want to miss this opportunity,” said Abdihakim Omar Amey, the Vice President of Puntland State, who added that Puntland was committed to spearheading the integration of the whole of Somalia, starting with the implementation of the Gaalkacyo agreement.

AMISOM Police holds training on counterinsurgency for Somali Police Force

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n August AMISOM has organized a 10-day course on countering insurgency for Somali police officers to improve their capacity in fighting terrorism. The officers will also be trained on how to protect vulnerable populations, mainly women and children, from various forms of crimes.

The trainings sponsored by the Japanese government, through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), was opened by the Deputy Somali Police Force

(SPF) Commissioner, Brig.

Muktar Hussein Afrah, and AMISOM Police Trainer, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Christopher Kashita.

SSP Kashita noted that the two courses were aimed at strengthening the capacity of the SPF to improve service delivery and enhance public safety.

“The basic counterinsurgency course is aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes

Somali police officers attend a training session on Basic Counter Insurgency in Mogadishu on August 22, 2017. The training was supported by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Police Component.

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that will enable them to effectively counterinsurgency activities in their areas of operation and Somalia at large,” the AMISOM officer noted.

SSP Kashita said the objective of the women

and child protection course was aimed at enhancing participants’ capabilities to effectively protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, in a post conflict environment.

“Our programme today concerns two training courses.

One group will be trained on issues of child abuse and the other on countering insurgency and the knowledge they will acquire from this

training will be useful. All children in Somalia must be protected and countering insurgency is crucial,” Brig.

Mukhtar Hussein Afrah, the Deputy SPF Commissioner noted.

AMISOM trains South West State Police Officers on serious crimes investigation

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s part of its mandate, AMISOM trained at least 15 police officers from the South West State Police Force, on serious crimes investigation, in November, in Baidoa - the South West State’s administrative capital in November.

The officers who were selected from different police stations in the Bay region underwent an intensive three-week course on effective protection and response to crime scenes.

The training covered crime scene management and crime investigations.

“It was an important workshop, held in two parts of ten days each. The first part covered crime scene management, while the second part was about serious crimes investigation,” Col. Abdullahi Ibrahim Aden, the Head of the South West State Police CID Department said, at the conclusion of the course.

Shukri Mohamud Wardheere, one of the trainees said they had gained invaluable knowledge. “We have learnt

South West police officers attend a training session on serious crime investigation for South West police officers held in Baidoa, Somalia, on November 28, 2017. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) conducted the training.

how to protect crime scenes during this training. Firstly, the crime scene has to be cordoned. Secondly, you need to ensure your safety; and thirdly identify dangerous situations at the scene such as explosives or people injured; and after that you can try to assist anyone who needs emergency help. Lastly, examine the suspects behind the crime,” she noted.

The training, whose aim was also to demonstrate aspects of crime scenes management and investigations, was coordinated by AMISOM Police Coordinator for the South West State, Tresphord Kasale.

Mr. Abdirazak Abdi Aden, the South West Administration’s Deputy Minister of Security, who officiated the conclusion of the course expressed satisfaction

with the skills acquired by the officers, saying it will boost the skills of officers working in the CID department.

As part of its mandate, AMISOM recruits, trains, and mentors the Somali Police Force, to raise the policing standards in the country and to adequately skill them to be able to take up the responsibility of restoring law and order across Somalia.

Joint delegation of AMISOM and Somali Police Force tour police training sites

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joint delegation of senior police officers from AMISOM and the Somali Police Force (SPF) made a two-day assessment tour of training sites in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions in August, ahead of the official launch of a new

phase of training of newly recruited police officers.

The delegation led by the AMISOM Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Anand Pillay and the SPF Deputy Police Commissioner, General Mohamed Abdi Bashir, inspected training facilities

General Bashir Mohamed, the Deputy Commissioner of the Somali Police Force signs a document during a ceremony to receive an assortment of equipment donated by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the Hirshabelle State administration in Jowhar, Somalia.

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in Belet Weyne and Jowhar, the administrative capitals of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.

With funding support from the Department for International Development (DFID), the development arm of the UK, AMISOM will train up to 1,000 police officers from HirShabelle state; 600 in Belet Weyne and another 400 in Jowhar.

Pillay handed over office equipment donated by the Japanese Government to Jowhar Police Station, as part of efforts aimed at enhancing capacity and improving the efficiency of the Somali police force.

The Middle Shabelle Governor Mr. Ahmed Mayre

Makaran who received the donation hailed AMISOM Police and the Japanese government for the assistance, saying it would greatly improve the work of the law enforcement officers. “We are extremely grateful for the equipment to HirShabelle police, and particularly to the police in Middle Shabelle.

The equipment is extremely useful and will help in the establishment of a database of necessary information.”

“Our capacity in terms of equipment is small but you will get a share of what we get and this is part of it,” General Mohamed Abdi Bashir, the Deputy Police Commissioner of HirShabelle state said.

A Shot In The Arm For The Somali Police Force

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MISOM and the UN handover over new police headquarters to Jubbaland state in October.

The Jubbaland Police Commissioner Ahmednasir Guled Hassan said the facility would boost efforts at crime prevention.

Mr. Hassan said the ceremony to open the new office block and the donation of a vehicle to the police station was testimony to the harmonious working relationship between the Somali government, the donor community, the UN and AMISOM. “We work with UN and AMISOM, they train our forces, they trained most of the officers in this headquarters and they are training more.

We have a good working

relationship,” the Jubbaland Police Commissioner added.

He noted that the vehicle donated by AMISOM will alleviate some of the transportation challenges Jubbaland State police officers endure on a daily basis.

Jubbaland Second Deputy President, Abdikadir Haji Mohamud Luga Dheere, urged the international community to continue helping Somalia attain its dream.

“We are in a country that was in a civil war for thirty years. We therefore request for your support so that we realize a Somalia that can stand on its feet and become self-sufficient,” Mr. Abdikadir noted.

AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo, commended UNOPS for

Abdikadir Mohamud Lugadheere, Jubbaland State Deputy President expresses gratitude after receiving the keys of a vehicle donated to Jubbaland police from Christine Alalo, AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner at the handover ceremony of a renovated police station to Jubbaland State officials in Kismayo, Somalia.

putting up the facility, adding that the building will bring policing services closer to the people.

“Today we are here to show solidarity with our

partners, especially UNOPS that specifically put up this building,” Ms. Alalo said.

The construction and maintenance works took 12 months to complete.

AU Police hands over office equipment to Banaadir Police

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MISOM Police handed over an assortment of office equipment to the Somali Police Force on September 18. The equipment donated by the Danish government was officially handed over to General Ahmed Hassan Malin, the Commander of the Banadir Police Station in Mogadishu, by the AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner Ms. Christine Alalo.

“We have a mandate here in Somalia and our mandate is to build the capacity of the Somali police forces. This is in terms of training, mentoring, operational support; you see the Formed Police Unit (FPU) that

undertake day and night patrols.

We also do strategic advising, but most of all, we are supposed to support them in terms of logistics and equipment, (and) to equip the police stations,” Ms. Alalo explained, as she handed over the equipment to her counterpart.

The equipment which included office furniture; desktop computers, printers, folding chairs, tables, cabinets, solar torches and solar lamps, was distributed to various police stations in Mogadishu.

General Ahmed Hassan Malin said the consignment will go along way in facilitating the work of police officers, to

Christine Alalo, the Deputy Police Commissioner of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) hands over office equipment donated by AMISOM to the Somali Police Force in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 18, 2017.

maintain law and order.

“We are grateful for the donation brought to us by our brothers at AMISOM Police.

We will distribute them to four police stations in Banadir and I know they will enhance greatly our operations,” he stated.

AMISOM donates equipment to South West State Police Force

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MISOM Police donated an assortment of office equipment to the South West State Police Force in Baidoa, in October, to help enhance security in the state.

The equipment was handed over to Gen. Mahat Abdirahman Adan, the Commander of South West State Police Force, by John Ambayo, the AMISOM Police Team Leader in the South West state.

“We will support and enhance their [South West

The Interim South West Administration (ISWA) Police officers receive an assortment of office equipment donated by AMISOM.

State Police Force officers] capacity to deliver services better. AMISOM remains committed to fulfilling this mandate,” said Ambayo.

AMISOM Police is mandated to provide operational support to the Somali Police Force (SPF), by helping it build the necessary capacity to ably handle the security needs of the country and discharge its functions in accordance to international rules and standards of policing.

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A team of 39 Individual Police Officers deploy in Somalia

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new team of Individual Police Officers (IPOs), deployed in Somalia in September, to skill and mentor Somali Police.

The IPOs from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Nigeria will be in Somalia for a year’s tour of duty. Brig. Gen. Anand Pillay, the AMISOM Police Commissioner briefed the inductees on new policing standards, in line with the newly adopted policing model, for both the Federal

government and the regional states.

“There is a federal policing model that has been decided for this country, so we will have to develop the policing institution both at the federal level as well as the federal member state level,” Pillay told the IPOs. “It is a long road ahead and we have asked people to come here with specific skills, to ensure that we can progress in developing the capacity of the police”.

AMISOM honors Sierra Leone police officers

Nigerian police officers praised for their role in securing elections in Somalia

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ndividual Police Officers (IPOs) from Sierra Leone received commendations for their stellar work at mentoring their Somali counterparts.

Ten Sierra Leone IPOs who had completed their tour of duty in Somalia were feted at a ceremony held in Mogadishu in August.

“The management of AMISOM Police component is exceedingly happy with the performance displayed by the contingent,” said AMISOM Police Chief of Staff, Rex Dundun, during the send off ceremony.

Sierra Leone’s Police Contingent Commander, Sahr R. Marka, speaks during a medal ceremony to mark the departure of a contingent of police officers from Sierra Leone.

Newly deployed Individual Police Officers (IPOs) serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend induction training in Mogadishu.

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contingent of Nigerian police officers received accolades for the role it played helping maintain peace in Somalia during the electoral process.

The officers who completed their tour of duty in September were awarded medals and certificates at a ceremony held in Mogadishu.

“You came here at the time when you were needed most, especially to support the Somalis in the parliamentary and presidential elections, which you all have supported very well,” Police Commissioner, Brig. Gen. Anand Pillay told the officers.

He hailed them for their role in the success of Somalia’s electoral process, the officers were at the centre of activities and plans that ensured Somalia had a successful election.

He however expressed sadness, that the contingent was rotating out at a time when their services were needed the most, especially during the transition period; and also after the recent UN Security Council Resolution

A contingent of police officers from Nigeria attend a medal ceremony to mark the departure of a contingent of police officers from Nigeria.

2372, which called for the scaling up of the size of AMISOM Police.

“The transition means that there will be a scaling down of AMISOM uniformed personnel and we will be required to start handing over the security responsibilities to the Somali National Security Forces. It is a difficult time because we are going to get new people and a lot of the experienced people are leaving. But we will have to manage,” Brig. Gen. Pillay stated.

Presently, of the six Police Contributing Countries (PCCs), only Nigeria and Uganda have both Formed

Police Units and Independent Police Officers serving in the Mission.

“From the African Union side, we also like to thank you for making yourselves available to serve in AMISOM and at the same time, to thank your country Nigeria for making the commitment and the contribution to this Mission in Somalia and to peace in Somalia,” Pillay said.

IPOs are tasked with mentoring, advising and training the Somali Police Force (SPF), with whom they collocate at various police stations in Mogadishu and in the federal states.

Newly deployed Ugandan police officers inducted

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new team of Ugandan police officers underwent an induction course in August, shortly after their deployment. Their role is to hold joint operations with their Somali counterparts, as part of a mentorship programme, aimed at enhancing the skills the Somali police officers.

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should be our watch-word. Let us not forget self-discipline. Let us not forget the discipline that has been imbibed in us through various training programs right from home,” AMISOM Police Chief of Staff Mr. Rex Dundun cautioned the newly deployed officers.

AMISOM Police component is mandated to provide operational support to the Somali Police Force (SPF), to elevate it to internationally

recognized standards.

The Formed Police Unit works jointly with the Somali Police Force Nigerian and Ugandan Formed Police Unit officers in carrying out deployed recently to serve under the African Union community policing Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). activities, counter terrorism operations, Uganda is one of the six public order management, Police Contributing Countries explosive disposals; and cordon (PCCs) to AMISOM, others and search operations, among being Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra others.

Leone, Ghana and Zambia.

Mogadishu Hosts Third Annual Book Fair

Exhibitors hold books on display on the opening day of the third annual Mogadishu Book Fair on 13 September 2017. (Below) Guests follow the proceedings on the opening day of the third annual Mogadishu Book Fair on 13 September 2017.

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omalia’s biggest exhibition of literary works took place in September, bringing together intellectuals, authors, scholars, playwrights, poets, musicians and book enthusiasts.

2,000 new books, 850 book titles were showcased during the three-day event.

At least 4,900 book enthusiasts among them university students, thronged the venue of the fair, according to the organizer. “This is the place where education and knowledge are interwoven,” Mohamed Sheikh Ali Ahmed ‘Dini’, the organizer of the annual fair said.

The Mogadishu Book Fair was launched in 2015 with the aim of celebrating books and inspiring more Somalis to embrace their country’s rich literary culture. Hosting the Fair has been made possible because of the prevailing peace and stability brought about by the presence of the African Union troops.

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