AMISOM Burundi troops celebrate their country’s Independence Day
M
ogadishu - On 1 July, Burundian troops serving under AMISOM held a ceremony in Mogadishu, to mark their country’s 57th Independence anniversary.The celebrations held at the AMISOM Force Headquarters in Mogadishu, were officiated by Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia.Also present were the AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Tigabu Yilma Wondimhunegn,Maj. Gen. Fidza Dludlu, the AMISOM Head of Mission Support, and members of the international community. In his remarks, Ambassador Madeira honoured the Burundi AMISOM soldiers who died in the line of duty to stabilise Somalia. “AMISOM salutes the Government and people of Burundi for the unquantifiable efforts and sacrifice, which has led to considerable stabilisation of Somalia,” Ambassador Madeira said. Burundi gained independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962.Burundi deployed troops in Somalia to serve under AMISOM in December 2007. Other AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Ambassador Madeira hailed the government and people of Burundi for responding to an appeal by the African Union to restore peace and stability in Somalia.He saluted the Burundian AMISOM troops for their pivotal role in liberating Somalia and defeating armed opposition groups. Today, the Burundi contingent secures the Middle Shabelle region, with headquarters in Jowhar town. The Burundi contingent has also been instrumental in mentoring the Somali National Army in support of the Somali Transition Plan. Lt. Col. Ciza Justace, who represented the Burundian community, provided a history of Burundi and milestones since independence.
Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, addresses guests during a ceremony to celebrate Burundi’s Independence Day, at the AMISOM Force Headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia. AMISOM JULY- SEPT
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