AMISOM Magazine - Issue 23 - English

REVIEW www.amisom-au.org

Issue 23 | January – March 2018

CHANGE OF

COMMAND A MI SOM MAG A Z IN E

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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

We have put in place a transition plan, which, if implemented properly, will ensure a smooth handover.

We look forward to the unwavering support of our key partners, to make the transition a success.

AMISOM remains dedicated to the implementation of its mandate in Somalia, with the ultimate objective of leaving the country a safer and better place to live in.

—Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

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t the end of May, the UN Security Council sits to review AMISOM’s mandate.

Our hope is that the UN will take into serious consideration, views from all stakeholders; and especially concerns that have been expressed from many quarters regarding the planned transition from AMISOM to the Somali security forces.

However, as we await the new mandate, AMISOM is already actively involved in the drawing up of a transition plan in line with the country’s National Security Architecture.

If all goes according to plan, AMISOM is planning to hand over to a properly capacitated Somali National Army at least 10 Forward Operating Bases, this year, as part of the transition. Discussions are ongoing with the Federal Government on modalities of this hand over.

Our focus over the last year has been on the planning and implementation of the phased, conditions-based transition, for the drawdown of troops in line with the UN Security Council resolution 2372 of 30th August 2017.

This year, we are placing emphasis on protecting population centres and undertaking robust operations to open Main Supply Routes, enable free movement of people, in order to facilitate trade, and promote development in recovered areas.

Training of the Somali Police Force is also continuing, as we prepare the security forces to take over security responsibilities from AMISOM. The recent deployment of 160-police officers from Sierra Leone, to Somalia to boost training of Somali police officers in Jubbaland, is part of the capacity building of the Somali security forces, to make them self reliant.

As we have previously mentioned, the transition process must be handled with caution, so that gains so far made are not eroded. We are hopeful that the review of AMISOM’s mandate, will take into consideration these concerns of the African Union, the troop contributing countries and the Federal Government of Somalia.

We have put in place a transition plan, which, if implemented properly, will ensure a smooth handover. We, therefore, look forward to the unwavering support of our key partners, to make the transition a success.

AMISOM remains committed and dedicated to the implementation of its mandate in Somalia, with the ultimate objective of leaving the country a safer and better place to live in.

Happy reading!

Table of

CONTENTS

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Message from the SRCC

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In The News

8

Change of Guard

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Planning The Transition

12

Funding Consultations for AMISOM

13

The War On IEDs

15

Intelligence & Information Sharing in Times of Terrorism

16

AMISOM Acquires Aerial Surveillance Equipment

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UK Pays Tribute to AMISOM for Reducing Threat of Terrorism

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PSOD Assessment Mission to Somalia

19

Roundtable on AMISOM

20

Managing Casualties in Conflict Zones

21

Smile Train Goes South West

22

Celebrating Women Peacekeepers

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The Gender Factor in Somalia’s Parliament

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Meet-and-Greet with the Media

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Focus On Our Troops

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Sierra Leone Deploys Largest Police Contingent to Somalia

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Integrating Darwish Militia

32

AMISOM Trains Humanitarian Partners

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HirShabelle MPs Sharpen Skills on Parliamentary Procedures

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The Golden Girls of Women’s Soccer

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, hands over the African Union flag to Lt. Gen. Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire, AMISOM’s new Force Commander during a command handover/takeover ceremony in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 31 January 2018. Looking on is former Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh.

AMISOM Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Design & Layout: Noel Lumbama (Noel Creative Media Limited) 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

NEWS 2018

2018

JANUARY

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MISOM launched forensic fingerprint training for the Somali Police Force in South West state.

The 14-day basic course skilled the officers in technological methods of investigating criminal cases.

JANUARY

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he UN Department of Field Support (DFS) launched a new phase of training for African peacekeeping troops focusing on heavy engineering operations.

Twelve troops drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia and Ethiopia, were among trainees who underwent a three-month intensive Training-ofTrainers’ course on the heavy engineering aspects of peacekeeping, at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), in Nairobi, Kenya.

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JANUARY

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multinational team of police officers from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zambia were inducted into the Mission. The forty officers and other colleagues will mentor and train local police in the management of law and order, as the country rebuilds its security institutions.

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t. General Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire, assumed office as AMISOM Force Commander on 31 January 2018, taking over the helm from Lt. General Osman Noor Soubagleh.

“In my career, I have never withdrawn from the battlefield for the last 39 years and I like training; which am going to do with the Somali National Army, operate with them and when time comes, for the transition to handover the power, I will do that,” he said.

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2018

FEBRUARY

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delegation from the African Union Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) is in Somalia to assess peacekeeping activities as the transfer of responsibilities from AMISOM to Somali national security forces begins to take shape. The 10-man delegation held discussions with top AMISOM officials, UNSOS, the Federal Government of Somalia and Ambassadors of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs).

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FEBRUARY

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Roundtable to discourse on AMISOM’s progress was held in the capital Mogadishu.

Participants included Somali politicians, members of the civil society, business community, religious leaders, academics and security experts. The discussions focused on achievements and challenges facing the 11-year old AU peacekeeping Mission.

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2018

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FEBRUARY

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he Federal Government of Somalia, The African Union leadership, Heads of State from Troop Contributing Countries to AMISOM and international

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partners, convened in Kampala, Uganda to discuss AMISOM’s transition from Somalia. The TCC leaders called for a halt to the troops drawdown which started in December 2017.

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MISOM organized a three-day workshop on the legislative roles of female parliamentarians, for Somali women parliamentarians. The workshop focused on legislation on women and child rights.

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MARCH

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2018

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emale peacekeepers serving under AMISOM mark International Women’s Day with a call on governments to enlist more women in peacekeeping missions. The women drawn from all the Troop and Police Contributing Countries and Somali national security institutions, gathered in Mogadishu to take stock of their contribution to peace in Somalia.

MARCH

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he AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira held discussions with the President of HirShabelle state Mohamed Abdi Waare on the security transition plans in the state and how to intensify the war against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

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2018

MARCH

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he third intelligence and information sharing conference, aimed at forging closer working ties between various intelligence actors in Somalia, was held in the capital Mogadishu, with the aim of forging closer working ties between various intelligence actors in Somalia.

“Part of the primary emphasis of intelligence/ information sharing is to facilitate, identify, deter and respond to emerging terrorism-related threats and risks in a more streamlined system of which also benefits the agencies, in theatre and local entities in supporting ongoing efforts to address security and threats. It is important to note that information intelligence, and the intelligence process, play a vital role in preventing terrorist attacks in particular Al-Shabaab attacks” – Maj-Gen Charles Tai Gituai, AMISOM Deputy Force Commander, Operations and Plans.

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2018

MARCH

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total of thirty personnel from the Somali security forces, drawn from across Somalia, train on child protection, at a three-day workshop held in Mogadishu. Organized by AMISOM and supported by the British Embassy in Somalia, the training focused on deterrence measures of use of children in armed conflict.

“This training is important because you have been equipped with the skills that will enable you execute a very important function of protecting the children in this very noble republic of Somalia,” – Mr. Simon Mulongo, Deputy Head of AMISOM.

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MARCH

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team of 39 military medical personnel from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) convene in Mogadishu for a three-day orientation on emergency evacuations, management of casualties and trauma patients, in highly stressed environments.

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MISOM embarks on biometric registration of the Darwish militia in Jubbaland state, preceding their integrating into the state’s security forces. The target is to register over five-thousand members of the militia group in Gedo, Lower Juba and Middle Juba regions. The biometric registration entails collection of key personal data including photographs and fingerprints of each member of the group.

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AMI S O M M AG A Z IN E

2018

APRIL

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U-UN Special Envoys on Funding Consultations for AMISOM, made a day’s visit to Mogadishu on April 1, to discuss sustainable funding of peace operations in the country.

Ramtane Lamamra and Jean-Marie Guehenno, the Special Envoys from the African Union and the United Nations respectively, emphasized a gradual shift of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces, without rolling back progress already made in securing the country.

“It is very important that the gradual shift from AMISOM to the Somali authorities happens in a way that doesn’t jeopardize all the efforts that have been made so far” – UN Envoy Jean-Marie Guehenno.

2018

APRIL

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U

K Minister of State for the Armed Forces Rt. Hon. Mark Lancaster visits Somalia, pays tribute to the AU troops, for securing the country and reducing the threat of terrorism. The minister met with the AU Special Representative to Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira and the AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire, where they discussed the transitioning of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces, and the nature and volume of UK support to the AU Mission.

“I want to start by paying tribute to the work of AMISOM over the last eleven years and indeed the sacrifices that have been made, because without doubt, unless the good work of AMISOM over the last eleven years had happened, then Somalia would not be on

2018

APRIL

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the course of progress that it is today,” – Rt. Hon. Mark Lancaster.

2018

APRIL

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contingent of 145 police officers from Sierra Leone arrived in Somalia as part of a surge capacity that will implement policing programmes in south central region. The team of 145 Formed Police Unit (FPU) officers, are stationed in Kismayo, Jubbaland, where they joined an advance team of 15 officers who had arrived earlier.

“We are moving away from Mogadishu. We are going into the regional states, deep into the districts and we need them because they will be helping us with movement and other operations” – Christine Alalo

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he fourth Bi-annual IED conference convened in Mogadishu. The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, called for concerted efforts, to defeat the threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to security forces and civilian populations in Somalia.

Ambassador Madeira made the remarks during the official opening of the fourth Bi-annual Counter IED Conference, in Mogadishu.

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Change of Guard LT. GENERAL JIM BEESIGYE OWOYESIGIRE ,

assumed office as AMISOM Force Commander on 31 January 2018, taking over the helm from Lt. General Osman Noor Soubagleh.

The new Force Commander pledged to continue with the work already started, especially with the capacity building of the Somali National Army. With 39-years experience in the military, Lt. General Owesigyile brings to the Force vast knowledge in Field Artillery and Air Defence, having served the Ugandan military as Air Force Commander and Division Commander - Field Artillery Division, among other capacities.

His priorities include overseeing a seamless, gradual

and conditions-based transition and transfer of the security responsibility from AMISOM, to the Somali security forces, and destroying the remaining pockets of the al Qaeda affiliated AlShabaab militants.

“All of us here have one problem, and that is Al-Shabaab. We don’t have to collocate with Al Shabaab.

We need to fight him, break his backbone and then finally eradicate him. That’s my goal and I will achieve it,” he said, as he took over the instruments of power from Lt. Gen. Soubagleh.

A carrier soldier, Lt. Gen. Owoyesigire holds two Masters degrees, in Defence and Strategic Studies and in Religion, Peace and Conflict Resolution.

MAJ. GEN. CHARLES TAI GITUAI

from Kenya, joined the AU Mission in February 2018, as the Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans. In a Q&A with him, he provides an elaborate explanation of the implementation of the transition plan, which will see AMISOM cede oversight of Somalia’s national security, to the Somali security forces.

Q: As the Deputy Force Commander

in-charge of Operations and Planning, explain your role and how it impacts the AU Mission in Somalia

A: Our priority at this point in time is the transition plan, which is being driven by the Somali government. And so, what we are doing right now, is coming up with a strategy plan on how best to handle the drawdown of the AMISOM troops, while ensuring that it is conditions-based. By conditions-based – it means that this (drawdown), has to be done within what we call the Comprehensive Approach to Security (CAS), in which it is expected that as we draw down, the Somali National Forces are able to occupy the places that we

Maj. Gen. C Tai Gituai, AMISOM Deputy Force Commander Operations and Plans.

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AMI S O M M AG A Z IN E

Lt. Gen. Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire, the incoming AMISOM Force Commander, speaks during a command handover/takeover ceremony.

are leaving. We also need to see normalcy in places we have vacated; and activities such as the politics, the security sector reforms, which include governance, and the establishment of government structures taking place. Law and order through policing also needs to take shape; and so are building schools, dispensaries, and provision of clean water to the people. And of course giving people that confidence that they have actually been liberated; and they are free to go about their economic activities unhindered. So, these are some of the things we are working on, as part of our exit plan.

Q: AMISOM is seeking a surge in

military operations and an increase in troop numbers to manage this transition. What kind of operations should be expected, during this period?

A: The transition plan has specific objectives

that we should achieve. We need to clear some Main Supply Routes (MSRs), and to be able to clear them, you need enough forces to do this job. As you know, for the last 11 years, AMISOM has been here (Somalia), the Mission has done a lot of work. Cumulatively, there has been a lot of work that has been done by all the Troop Contributing Countries. However, Al-Shabaab militants keep changing tactics, using asymmetric warfare, and have created small little pockets in south central Somalia, where they plant explosives haphazardly. So, we want to be able to have enough forces that can clear the routes, and interchangeably have troops who can occupy areas already cleared. So, we are employing a comprehensive approach. Meaning, that we need forces that can be able to secure towns that have been liberated. That is what we are talking about - having the Somali

security forces ready to be able to take over in those places, create an environment that will foster development, allow infrastructure and social amenities like hospitals and schools to come up. In the absence of having a force that can be trusted in such a place, in the absence of having some element of governance; even if it means empowering village elders to form some semblance of government, or a structure within the public administration, that can be able to administer some authority, challenges may occur. These are the issues that we are now dealing with currently. The surge capacity will purely be collocated in strategic areas, which we feel require extra help.

Q: Can you mention some of these

areas?

A: An example is the Juba Valley corridor,

which we know is an area where AlShabaab has a huge presence. This is because it is a fertile place; there is food on the ground and they can sustain themselves in that space for long. If we can be able to use force multipliers, for example helicopters to aid our operations, we clear them once and for all and let SNA (Somali National Army) occupy those places.

Q: Amidst all these plans, there are

obvious bottlenecks. How will AMISOM overcome?

A: In every situation of this nature, you must encounter challenges. However, we make the best of it with what is available, by maximizing what is at our disposal to achieve our objectives. If it is a question of trying to see how best we can deploy, in terms of reconfiguring our forces on the ground, creating mobile forces, reducing some of the Forward Operating Bases; and making the troops occupy strategic areas, to enable us deal with the threat before us.

Planning The Transition H eads of State from Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to AMISOM, the African Union leadership, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and international partners met in Kampala, Uganda early March to deliberate on AMISOM’s transition from Somalia, and especially the drawdown of troops from the Horn of Africa country, an exercise which commenced last December.

Ugandan President, H.E Yoweri Museveni, his Somali counterpart, H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo”; the First Vice President of Burundi, Gaston Sindimwo, Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary Ms. Raychelle Omamo, Djibouti’s National Defence Minister Ali Hassan Bahdon; Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, Tolesa Shagi Moti; the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), Mahboub Maalim, signed a communique calling for an immediate halt to the drawdown of AU troops in Somalia.

The communique, read by Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kutesa urged the UN Security Council to reconsider the resolution on drawdown of AMISOM troops, restore the previous troop levels and stay any further reduction of troops, to allow recovery of territory still under the control of Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.

The summit mandated the host, President Museveni, to communicate the resolution to the United Nations as well as the African Union, whose current chair is President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

The leaders observed that the timeframe of the withdrawal, under the UN Security Council Resolution is not realistic and would lead to a reversal of gains made by AMISOM over the years, to defeat the al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group.

The communique noted that the drawdown had undermined the capacity of AMISOM to deliver on its mandate, and was impeding efforts to capacitate the Somali National Army and hasten the formation of the Somali national security forces.

President Museveni said the communique was a collective product resulting from confidential discussions by the five AMISOM TCCs, Somalia and partners.

H.E Moussa Fakii Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (right) and Gaston Sindimwo, the First Vice President of Burundi attend the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) held in Kampala, Uganda.

Delegates attend the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) held in Kampala, Uganda.

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni talks to Michael Keating, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, during the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

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“There are friends of Africa, many of whom are not Africans but who have been supporting Africa for a long time.

They (officials representing development partners) are from the American continent, Europe and Asia. They have been contributing money for the Somali operation all these years since we started. They have been training our soldiers,” the Ugandan President explained.

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, the Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, in a group photo with delegates who attended the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop Contributing Countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) held in Kampala, Uganda.

The African Union Commission Chairperson called for continued improvement of Somalia’s security through sustained military operations and stabilization programmes across the country.

“A premature withdrawal is likely to undermine the gains made over the last

decade, at a great human and financial cost. Central to this will be predictable financing for AMISOM that will make it possible for the Somali security forces to take over primary security responsibility from AMISOM,” Mahamat said.

The leaders agreed to meet once annually, at the summit level and twice

Voices from the Summit “I believe we have a long way to go.

We need to put together a sound strategy in order to effectively fight against Al-Shabaab and defeat them.

And I believe they are weak” – H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo, the President of Somalia.

“AMISOM continues to contend with the challenge of the mismatch between the Mission’s tasks and the requisite resources and measures to cause a desired effect within the desired timelines. This includes boots on the ground, force enablers, efficient Mission support, and of course the building of the SNA (Somali National Army)” - Gen. David Muhoozi, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.

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“The drawdown and reduction of AMISOM troops is a source of concern particularly if it is not accompanied by the requisite force enablers and force multipliers. We need to be able to effectively contain, disrupt and destroy Al-Shabaab. For that, we need the forces that are required, we need the force enablers and force multipliers so that this work is done properly” – Amb. Francisco Caetano Madeira, Head of AMISOM

“The primary focus of the African Union in the coming period should then be to support accelerated progress on this roadmap, continue constructive Federal Government of Somalia-federal member states engagement, and full implementation of the Somalia Transition Plan” – Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security.

a year at the ministerial and chiefs of defence forces level, in order to jointly plan, review progress and chart a way forward towards the effective implementation of AMISOM’s mandate and transition plan.

The Summit recommended the crafting of a realistic AMISOM–Somali led Transition Plan that factors a Comprehensive Approach to Security and manifests the dividends of peace.

The summit called upon the African Union Commission, AMISOM leadership and the Somali Government to work hand in hand, to come up with a plan for consideration at the next Summit.

Addressing a pre-summit meeting of foreign affairs ministers, Ambassador Smail Chergui, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security pointed out that Somalia was on a positive trajectory,

and had made significant gains in the security and political spheres.

The AU official cited the adoption of the National Security Architecture, which provides for a framework for the rebuilding of the Somali national security forces, the roadmap for inclusive politics; the constitutional review process and a new electoral model for one-person-onevote in 2020.

He noted that political stability in Somalia had allowed for the commencement of the development of a Somalia Transition Plan, with a core group established to develop a draft transition document. The Plan, he said, would serve as a critical component of AMISOM’s own transition planning, including the revision of its Concept of Operations and enhancement of its operational effectiveness.

The UN Security Council Resolution 2372(2017) adopted last August, authorizes a gradual, conditions-based troop reduction in Somalia and transfer of national security responsibilities from AMISOM to Somali national security forces, in a phased manner.

The first drawdown of 1-thousand troops took place last December, reducing troop levels from 22,126 uniformed personnel to 21,626. This is despite the increased tasks and responsibilities within the force.

The Transition Core Group

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Transition Core Group consisting of representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), AMISOM, the UN, the European Union and other key international partners, is developing a transition plan for Somalia and driving the transfer of the national security responsibility to the Somali security forces. Headed by the National Security Advisor to Somalia’s President, the group, which assists the President and the Prime Minister has taken the lead on the transition process, and also assists with transition approaches.

Its primary objective is to deliver a “realistic, phased and conditions-based” transition, with feasible dates, for the transfer of the national security responsibility from AMISOM, to the Somali security forces. As a precondition to the transition process, AMISOM asked the

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), for Somalia and UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating, accompany the visiting envoys of the United Nations and African Union, who were on a joint mission to consult on funding for the African Union Mission in Somalia in Mogadishu.

transition planning meeting held recently, to adopt principles that will determine the performance of the transition, including evaluating Force resource levels and force enablers, and called for

“undivided commitment” by the political leadership at the Federal and Federal Member States levels, towards AMISOM. “It is about organized, gradual, systematic transfer of responsibility to the FGS

by AMISOM,” emphasized AMISOM Deputy Head of Mission Simon Mulongo, at a security sector cluster meeting, convened in the capital Mogadishu in March, to discuss the transition planning.

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Funding Consultations for AMISOM

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he dearth in funding and support to AMISOM and the Somali security forces, has dominated Somalia’s transition talks for several months. During the TCC Heads of State Summit in Kampala in March, there was consensus between TCC countries, the Somali government, the AU and international partners, that funding be released, to kickstart transition activities.

Special Envoys on Funding Consultations for AMISOM, made a visit to Somalia on April 1, to discuss sustainable funding to peace operations in the Horn of Africa country.

Ramtane Lamamra and Jean-Marie Guehenno, the Special Envoys of the African Union and the United Nations respectively, emphasized a gradual shift of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces, without rolling back the progress already made in securing the country.

In Mogadishu, the two envoys met with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, the AU and UN Special Representatives for Somalia, Amb. Francisco Caetano Madeira and Michael Keating respectively, ambassadors from the Troop Contributing Countries to AMISOM, who are accredited to Somalia, and officials from the European Union.

The President of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmajo’ meets African Union envoy Ramtane Lamamra and United Nations envoy Jean-Marié Guéhenno at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu. The envoys were on a joint mission to consult on funding for AMISOM.

Discussions with these teams focused on efforts to achieve a smooth transition of the security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces.

“It is very important that the gradual shift from AMISOM to the Somali authorities happens in a way that doesn’t jeopardize all the efforts that have been made so far,” said UN Envoy Guehenno, who also acknowledged the presence of a multiplicity of actors who

Jean-Marié Guéhenno (second from left), the UN envoy on Funding Consultations for AMISOM speaks during a meeting with high-ranking officials of the United Nations Mission in Somalia and the African Union Mission in Somalia in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), for Somalia and UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating held dsicussion with visiting envoys of the United Nations and African Union who were on a joint mission to consult on funding for AMISOM.

are supporting security and peacebuilding programmes in Somalia, and highlighted their importance towards the achievement of sustainable peace.

“In the coming phase, the coordination between all these actors is more important than ever and it is of course a very sensitive issue,” he noted.

The Envoys’ assessment visit to Somalia is part of ongoing consultations on peace support operations for AMISOM, spearheaded by the African Union and the UN. “The special envoys have started the joint consultations engaging partner countries, AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries and other key

stakeholders in a bid to reconcile varying perspectives and come up with a pragmatic and politically acceptable solution. The outcomes of the consultations will be presented to the relevant African Union and United Nations organs,” H.E Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission Chairperson told the Kampala Summit in March.

International partners from Algeria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, United Nations and the European Union attended the Summit.

The War on IEDs

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omalia held its fourth Bi-annual Counter IED Conference in the capital Mogadishu on April 16, to seek lasting solutions to the indiscriminate use of Improvised Explosive Devices.

The conference convened by AMISOM with the support of the United Kingdom, brought together stakeholders from the Somali security forces, and representatives from the AU Mission, the UN and international partners; and sought viable ways

of building the capacity of AMISOM and Somali security forces, to effectively counter terrorist group AlShabaab’s weapon of choice.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, who officially opened the conference, called for concerted efforts, to defeat the threat posed

by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to security forces and civilian populations.

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), for Somalia, Maj. Gen. Harushimana Salvator, AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics, and Colonel Richard Maundrell, the Commander of the British Forces in Somalia, examine a sample of an Improvised Explosive Device on exhibit during a seminar on countering IEDs in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Colonel, Richard Maundrell, the Commander of British Forces in Somalia, speaks during the opening ceremony of a seminar on Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (CIEDs) in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 16 April 2018.

He urged the military, the police and the Federal government of Somalia to cooperate, in order to effectively counter the indiscriminate use of IEDs and emphasized the importance of effective intelligence and information sharing and close partnerships with civilian populations to be able to win the battle against IEDs. Col. Richard Maundrell, the Commander of the British Forces in Somalia, echoed Madeira’s sentiments on increased collaboration between stakeholders and security agencies, to rid the country of the IED menace.

“To achieve this, information sharing and coordination across these levels and

organizations will be critical.

While it is important to prepare the force and defeat the device, the only way the counter IED battle can be won is through proactive operations against the IED system. This will focus on the perpetrators of IED activity,” he said.

The conference resolved among other things, to encourage the use of forensics in the fight against the menace, and intensify training of personnel in detecting and demining of IEDs. AMISOM, the Federal Government of Somalia and development partners are currently working on strategies to counter the IED threat, to ensure gains made so far, are not eroded.

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Counter IED Training for Somali Police Officers

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ther than the military, counter IED training for the Somali security forces has been on for several months. AMISOM Police has been empowering their Somali counterparts with vital skills on preventing, disposing and countering IED attacks.

Speaking during one such training at the start of the New Year, IP Hassan Guhad Abdullahi, AMISOM Police Counter Terrorism

Trainer, lamented the indiscriminate use of IEDs in Somalia

by Al-Shabaab militants, and the resultant impact of the explosives on civilian populations and security forces.

The training, carried out in Mogadishu, trained the officers on techniques and mechanisms used by perpetrators to

A Somali police officer “performs” first aid during a mock exercise.

Hassan Guhad Abdullahi, a counter-terrorism trainer from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) police component makes his presentation during a training course on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) for Somali police officers in Mogadishu on December 31, 2017.

infiltrate and carry out (IED) attacks.

“One of the main things they learnt is how to deny the bad guys the opportunity to cause harm and also to degrade their capability to carry out attacks, based on intelligence received,” IP Hassan explained.

The IED training funded by the Japanese government through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), involved practical

sessions with mock drills, on how to respond to various scenarios, related to IED attacks.

“I have learned a lot of valuable things which will help me and my colleagues and the Somali Police Force. It (training) was very beneficial, with regard to my profession,” said Abdi Aden Ga’al, a police officer who benefitted from the ten-day December/January training.

AMISOM Police carried out similar training for police officers in the South West and Jubbaland regional states.

I

n Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West state, AMISOM Police Coordinator Tresphord Kasale, presided over the training.

“The course on IED and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) benefitted 15 participants drawn from the Somali police force. The purpose of this course was to create awareness (among) the officers so that they are able to identify IEDs and be able to call experts to defuse them and dispose of them safely,” Kasale explained.

AMISOM Inspector of Police, Sahr Emmanuel Kobai-Aruna, noted that the training was meant to enhance the capacity of the South West Police Force, adding that the officers were taken through a number of topics on safety and security.

“This is part of AMISOM’s mandate to capacitate the Somali Police Force and we taught them some components of IED/EOD; the types EOD/IED and other management course modules. We even taught them first aid at crime scenes and casualty awareness assessment,” said Mr. Kobai-Aruna.

Ms. Farhiya Ahmed Mohamed, one of the trainees, described the course

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Police officers from the South West State attend a training course on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) & Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD) for Southwest police forces.

as timely, adding that it will help them discharge their duties effectively.

“Today, we have concluded a course on IED/EOD organized by AMISOM and we were awarded certificates.

‘We learnt many things that will be useful to our country, for example, how to detect where a landmine has been planted.

We also learnt how to administer first aid to victims; and how to rush victim to hospital for treatment,” said one of the trainees, Ms. Farhiya Ahmed Mohamed.

AMISOM played a crucial role in the establishment of the South West State Police Force. The AU Mission has trained 600 police officers in the state – the officers are currently involved in various security tasks in the state. In addition, another 600 police officers in Jubbaland have been

A trainer from AMISOM police component, presents a certificate to one of the trainees during a training course on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) & Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD) for Southwest police forces.

trained and plans are underway to recruit and train more officers in HirShabelle state in the course of the year.

Military officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other partners, in a group photograph after the opening of the AMISOM Information sharing conference supported by the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UKMST).

Intelligence & Information Sharing in Times of Terror

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he third Intelligence and Information Sharing Conference, aimed at forging closer working ties between various intelligence actors and improving mechanisms and coordination of information sharing among diverse groups, was held in Mogadishu in March, with Maj-Gen Charles Tai Gituai, AMISOM’s Deputy Force Commander in-charge of Operations and Plans, rooting for more efficient intelligence sharing modalities.

“Intelligence must be collected and used in a way that ensures operational efficiency without threatening the legitimacy and impartiality necessary for the peace mission to carry out its work effectively,” Maj. Gen. Gituai said in his address to the conference, which explored access to non-traditional information sources in intelligence gathering and enhanced intelligence

sharing, which had proven vital in preventing terror attacks in the past.

The conference also discussed emerging threats from terror group Al-Shabaab, even as the militants find themselves extremely weakened from the onslaught of the Federal Government, AU and partner forces.

“Intelligence is fundamentally important to the peace mission, to give decision makers multi-dimensional situational awareness through coordinated analysis of information by the different components of a mission,” Maj-Gen Gituai told participants, who included intelligence officers drawn from AMISOM’s sectors, representatives of Somali security forces and key international security partners.

Maj. Gen. Gituai stressed the importance of “effective processes and structures”, that would ensure information gathered is shared and

Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, the AMISOM Deputy Force Commander, addresses the AMISOM Information Sharing Conference, which was supported by the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UKMST).

Military officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and officers of the Somali National Army (SNA), the United States and United Kingdom Armies, attend the AMISOM Information Sharing Conference supported by the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UKMST).

stored securely, for the benefit of all stakeholders.

AMISOM’s Chief Military Intelligence Officer Col. Naboth Mwesigwa said the conference would “strengthen intelligence gathering”, while at the same time, help in the modification of defenses and offensive capabilities, while building confidence and ties with partners and the Federal Government of Somalia.

The conference was organized with the support of the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UKMST).

A MI SOM MAG A Z IN E

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AMISOM Acquires Aerial Surveillance Equipment

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he new US-funded aerial surveillance system was installed at the Baledogle military airfield in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, to boost intelligence gathering.

The Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira lauded the United States for its continued support to the AU Mission in Somalia, in the war against terrorism.

“It is of critical importance to AMISOM forces as it will go a long way in addressing one of AMISOM’s capability shortfalls,” said Madeira during the unveiling of the surveillance system last February.

The equipment fills a void on military capabilities required for effective military operations against Al-Shabaab. The Mission plans to intensify operations across south central Somalia where Al-Shabaab militants are concentrated.

The Charge d’Affairs of the U.S. Mission to Somalia, Martin Dale, reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to the cause for lasting peace in Somalia.

“We are here to facilitate not only the safety of your troops (AMISOM soldiers) but also to help put increasing pressure on the terrorists so that the people of Somalia can have a better life. Now is the time for everybody to work together in unison. We all need to be working together to facilitate increasing pressure,” Dale said.

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AMI S O M M AG A Z IN E

“It is a critical component,” Mr. Dale added. “The Somalis want to invest in their own

AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. General Jim B Owoyesigire, and other AMISOM officials are given a demonstration of an Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Vehicle by US officials in Baledogle, Somalia.

security, in their own prosperity and we are here to facilitate that.”

Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, is shown an Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Vehicle by a US official in Baledogle, Somalia, on February 26, 2018.

UK Pays Tribute to AMISOM for Reducing Threat of Terrorism

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he UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Rt. Hon. Mark Lancaster visited Somalia in April, where he paid glowing tribute to the AU troops for their role in securing the Horn of Africa country and reducing the threat of terrorism.

The minister met with the AU Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira and the AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire. They discussed the transitioning of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces, the nature and volume of UK support to the AU Mission.

“I want to start by paying tribute to the work of AMISOM over the last eleven years and indeed the sacrifices that have been made, because without doubt, unless the good work of AMISOM over the last eleven years had happened, then Somalia would not be on the course of progress that it is today,” said Mr. Lancaster.

The United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UKMST), under the UK7O initiative, has bolstered

Mark Lancaster, the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, inspects a guard of honor mounted by soldiers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

training support to AMISOM troops and the Somali security forces in Mogadishu and the regions.

“We have discussed how potentially we can do more to support the Mission, but equally, talking about how we can progress the situation here in Somalia, over the coming months and years,” added the UK minister.

The UK’s advice and training support to AMISOM

are in the areas of logistics, medical and heavy engineering capabilities.

“We were delighted that the UK has taken so much interest in what we are doing here, that they sent a Minister of State for the Armed Forces. That visit in itself is very significant in the sense that we have a very high and senior member of the UK government with us in this battle front,” Ambassador

UK Troops’ Support to AMISOM

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group of UK military personnel have stepped up training of AU troops in Somalia, under the UK-70 initiative, which is part of the UN support for AMISOM. The UK military personnel are providing medical, logistical and engineering support to AMISOM, as part of a wider UK commitment, according to a statement by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Under the initiative, the team has been training the AU troops in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu and in the Federal Member States, as part of the UK government’s contribution to Somalia’s stability, to bolster peacekeeping efforts and reduce the threat of terrorism in Somalia.

“The UK 70 are doing so much work in so many areas with us and are

A member of the United Kingdom military medical training team in Somalia, under the UK-70, demonstrates to AMISOM medical personnel how to stop bleeding from a gunshot wound.

enabling us to be more effective on the ground.

We have an entire ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system, that they have helped to put in place and is now fully operational,” said Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Madeira, during a recent visit to Somalia, by the UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Rt. Hon. Mark Lancaster.

UK70 officials observing SNA soldiers constructing camp wire fence the parameters around SST training camp in Baidoa. This was part of the training support being provided by the UK to AMISOM and the Somali National Army.

Madeira remarked, after his meeting with Mr. Lancaster.

He noted that AMISOM enjoys cordial relations with the UK Mission Support Team in Somalia and expressed gratitude at the support they have accorded the Mission. The Minister of State for Armed Forces provides oversight to Armed Forces activities including operations, force generation and international defence engagements.

The 70-military personnel in Somalia are not involved in combat operations.

“We find this initiative and modality of support to be very useful, because it allows for a surge by other individuals to small teams in very specialized areas to react to emerging, or perhaps bespoke projects that UNSOS has” – Amadu Kamara, Director of Mission Support, UNSOM and Director, UNSOS.

UK70 Official SGT Adam Anderson showing AMISOM trainees how to repair a vehicle engine during military operations at the UN compound in Kismayo. This was part of the training support being provided by the UK to AMISOM and the Somali National Army.

A MI SOM MAG A Z IN E

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AU PSOD Assessment Mission to Somalia

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delegation from the African Union Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) visited Somalia in February to assess peacekeeping activities as plans for the transfer of responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces gained momentum.

During its four-day stay in Somalia, the 10-man delegation held discussions with top officials from AMISOM, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS and ambassadors of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) accredited to Somalia.

The delegation led by Maj. Gen Francis Okello, the PSOD Chief of Operations and Plans, also held discussions with representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia, led

by Abdisaid Ali, the National Security Advisor to the President.

The discussions focused on a wide range of issues, among them peacekeeping activities, achievements made and challenges being experienced in securing Somalia; as well as the transfer of responsibilities to Somali national security forces, among other issues.

“The AU Commission has delegated this team to come and carry out an on ground assessment in terms of preparedness, in terms of plans and in terms of activities and also to look at our relationship with the

Maj. Gen. Francis Okello, head of the delegation from the African Union Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) speaks during a meeting with representatives of AU Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) based in Mogadishu and other senior AMISOM officials.

key players like the Federal Government of Somalia, the federal member states and also our supporting institution; the UN, especially UNSOS,”

explained deputy head of AMISOM, Simon Mulongo, who received the delegation.

The Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD)

is mandated to plan, launch, sustain, monitor and liquidate all Peace Support Operations (PSOs), authorized by the African Union.

A delegation from the African Union Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) led by Maj. Gen. Francis Okello, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Madeira and other senior AMISOM officials in a meeting with Abdisaid Musse Ali, the Somali National Security Advisor to the President.

Quotable Quote

President Farmajo (centre left) in dark glasses dressed in military fatigue and SRCC Madeira (centre right), in a brown suit, made an impromptu visit to Jaale Siyaad Military Academy (Said Barre Military Academy), currently occupied by Burundi troops. The President interacted with the troops, expressed his gratitude and that of the Somali people for the good work AMISOM is doing in Somalia, and encouraged them to continue with the good work.

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“The liberation of Mogadishu was not an easy task. It was a daunting task. I am grateful to our brothers AMISOM; the Ugandan soldiers and Burundians who sacrificed their blood and lives to liberate this city from Al-Shabaab. A lot of blood was spilled in this specific spot we are standing, the Defence Headquarters. We thank them very much…

We should show always gratitude to our brothers from AMISOM. We should always remember that they are losing soldiers and shedding their blood every day in Somalia to defend the integrity of this country. We should always be conscious of the sacrifices AMISOM is making for us; and that they are still here with us; supporting us and helping us to form our national army. We thank them; and God willing, when Somalia stands on its feet, we will be taking part in liberating Africa, through similar peacekeeping missions” – Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo”, during SNA’s 58th Anniversary celebrations

Roundtable on AMISOM

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n February, AMISOM partnered with the Heritage Institute, a Somali think-tank to convene a Roundtable discussion on the progress the Mission had made in Somalia, with the aim of promoting a better understanding of the AU Mission’s mandate in Somalia.

Politicians, civil society representatives, the business community, religious leaders, academics and security experts, engaged AMISOM’s senior leadership on the Mission’s achievements, perceived failures, its sources of funding, its exit strategy and training programmes for Somali security forces, among other issues.

The AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira and other panelists, set the record straight against allegations of inactivity by enumerating the successes achieved since the AU Mission first deployed in the Horn of Africa country in 2007. Somalia, Madeira explained, had ushered in a period of stability on the political and security fronts.

“There is increased mobility and trade, increased operations of international airlines, carriers both private and public.

There’s booming real estate development and construction of businesses in the country not forgetting the growing number of financial institutions in the country. All these are as a result of the relative peace now being enjoyed across the country due to the presence of the African Union troops,” he noted.

The head of AMISOM cited the 2016/2017 electoral process and the establishment of a bicameral parliament, as one of the major achievements made on the political front due to the close cooperation between AMISOM and Somali national security forces.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and the head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Madeira speaks to participants during a roundtable discussion on AMISOM’s mission in Somalia.

As a result of the relative peace, Madeira added, lending institutions, namely the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have made a comeback to the country after a hiatus of more than 25 years.

enhanced confidence for investment in Somalia,” he observed.

Last year, the International Monetary Fund announced that creditors may cancel part of Somalia’s $5.3 billion debt if it takes concrete steps towards

A participant asks a question during a roundtable discussion on AMISOM.

“The World Bank is now supporting government institutions in Somalia to promote good governance, accelerate economic recovery and create jobs. There is now a conducive environment and

Participants at a roundtable discussion on AMISOM listen to the deliberations.

reforming its economy and improving governance.

Ambassador Madeira said AMISOM had enhanced its collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia to enable it offer better services to the people.

“All these things are happening in addition to the continued technical support AMISOM is providing to the government in the areas of legislation, gender, reconciliation and conflict management and resolution,” he stated.

But, Madeira also acknowledged the AU Mission’s challenges, on the security front. He highlighted the continued radicalization of the youth, as the biggest bottleneck to Somalia’s stability.

He decried the recruitment, training, indoctrination of the youth to violent extremism.

The head of the Heritage Institute, Abdirashid Hashi, described the discussions as very useful in trying to foster a better understanding of AMISOM’s role in Somalia.

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Managing Casualties in Conflict Zones

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team of 39 military medical personnel from AMISOM participated in an orientation workshop on emergency evacuations, management of casualties and trauma patients, in highly stressed environments.

The orientation, held at the end of March, is part of the AU Mission’s medical support plan aimed at ensuring that all its medical personnel are well articulated with battlefield First Aid, casualty evacuations and care, handling drug stockpiles and disposal of medical waste.

Facilitators at the threeday orientation comprised of officials from the UK’s military training team.

“This mission is going to expose you to injuries that are predominantly IED-type injuries, which some of you are not familiar with,” Retired Gen. Fidza Dludlu, the AMISOM Head of Mission Support told participants on the last day of the medical workshop.

The Force Medical Officer Lt. Col. Dr. Boniface Mandishona, attributed most injuries in combat zones to the widespread use of Improvised Explosive Devices

by Al-Shabaab terrorists. IEDs remain the biggest threat to civilian populations and security forces in Somalia.

“We get nasty injuries and some of the new staff are

Military medical personnel serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) carry out a practical exercise on how to stop bleeding. This was during a sector medical conference in Mogadishu, Somalia.

not exposed to the type of injuries that we get. So this conference gives them an opportunity to interact with

our training team, who will then impart the knowledge that is necessary for them to handle situations of this

nature,” Dr. Mandishona explained.

The training attended by medical personnel from all sectors, oriented the officers on aspects of emergency trauma handling in the frontline - which include learning ways of stopping excessive bleeding and proper handling of fractures, to ensure injured troops are safely evacuated to hospitals.

Maj. Gen. Salvatore Harushimana, the AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in-charge of Support and Logistics, called on participants to use skills learnt, to better manage emergencies in conflict zones.

Military medical personnel serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) carry out a practical exercise on how to stop bleeding.

Maj. Gen. Fidza Dludlu, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Head of Mission Support, in a group photograph with medical officers serving under AMISOM.

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‘Smile Train’ Goes South West

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n March, a team of doctors from AMISOM, the international cleft lip charity ‘Smile Train’, and Bancroft Global Development carried out a free cleft lip and palate surgical camp in Baidoa, the administrative capital of the South West State, in aid of tens of patients who suffer from the condition.

The camp, hosted by the Baidoa Regional Hospital, successfully operated on 49-patients. With the support of UNSOS (United Nations Support Office in Somalia), AMISOM and Somali medical personnel, the “Smile Train” team also offered on the job training to doctors from AMISOM and Somali paramedics, to enable them carryout similar surgeries in the future.

A fairly common disability in Somalia, thousands live with a cleft lip and palate deformities for decades, due to a lack of technical capacity by local hospitals to carry out corrective procedures.

“The cleft lip or faruur (as it is known in Somali dialect), is a condition that is common in Somalia,” explained the lead surgeon at the camp, Ugandan Col. Dr. James Kiyengo.

Dr. Kiyengo said patients with the deformities suffer social exclusion due to stigmatization.

“The patients with cleft lip have a problem with their peers. The children are sometimes teased by others and so they can’t go to school, they can’t talk well, they can’t spell letters such as letter ‘P.’ When they are talking, the palate

A team of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses perform cleft lip and palate surgery at the Bay Regional Hospital in Baidoa, Somalia.

stops them from speaking coherently,” Dr. Kiyengo remarked.

He however cautions patients to seek early treatment nevertheless, because if left untreated, the condition leads to other health complications, such as facial deformities and recurrent ear infections, which can be detrimental in the long run.

The administration of the Baidoa Regional Hospital supported by the South West State’s health ministry, was at the forefront of mobilizing potential

Cleft lip and palate patients wait to undergo corrective surgery at Bay Regional Hospital, in Baidoa, Somalia.

candidates for surgery. The long queues at the hospital grounds was evidence of the large number of cases requiring corrective procedures.

“We are playing a facilitating role in mobilizing the public to come for surgery.

Some of the patients are coming from other regions and have to come early for the surgery. We have so far registered people from Baidoa town and nearby areas mainly from Bay and Bakool regions,” Abdifatah Ibrahim Hashi, the Director of Baidoa Regional Hospital said.

A relative to one of the beneficiaries, described the surgery performed on his younger brother as life-changing. “We came from Modemode neighbourhood.

Since his face is the most important part of the body, some of his facial features have been restored and he can now freely interact with others in the community,” said a beaming Madey Kusow, after his brother’s successful surgery.

Not all patients made it to surgery, due to the large turnout of patients.

Bancroft Global Development and partners are exploring the possibility of a repeat surgical exercise soon.

Between 2016 and 2017, a similar surgical camp successfully operated on more than 700 patients at AMISOM level II Hospital in Mogadishu.

A cleft lip is a condition, which occurs when the lip or mouth, does not form fully, while a fetus is developing in the mother’s womb.

A MI SOM MAG A Z IN E

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Celebrating Women Peacekeepers

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very March 8, the global spotlight turns to women, for their significant contributions to making the world a better place.

Female peacekeepers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) marked International Women’s Day, with a call on governments to enlist more women in peacekeeping missions. The women drawn from all the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs) were joined by their counterparts from the Somali security forces, to mark the day.

Brigadier General Gertrude Bili Mwale, Defense Advisor to the African Union speaks to female peacekeepers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) during a ceremony to mark International Women’s Day held in Mogadishu.

Female Peacekeepers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend a ceremony to mark International Women’s Day held in Mogadishu on March 08, 2018.

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The female peacekeepers started their day with a walk, to champion global peace.

Their activities culminated in a conference on leadership.

A total of 850 female peacekeepers currently serve under AMISOM, making it a Mission with one of the highest number of female peacekeepers in the world. There are plans to further increase the number of women peacekeepers, to help speed up the stabilization process ahead of the 2020/2021 one-person-one-vote election.

The Gender Factor

in Somalia’s Parliament

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MISOM organized a three-day workshop for Somali women parliamentarians in February, to discuss their legislative roles, and explore ways of uplifting the standards of women and children in Somalia.

Participants at the workshop, organized with the support of the British Embassy in Mogadishu, included

Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, addresses Somali women lawmakers in Mogadishu on February 26, 2018. The workshop was aimed at empowering lawmakers, to protect and promote the rights of women, children and other marginalized groups.

women parliamentarians from both the Upper and Lower Houses of the Federal Parliament.

“What you have come to do here is fundamental in ensuring that you anchor issues of good governance,

Somali women lawmakers follow proceedings during a workshop on capacity building in Mogadishu on February 26, 2018. The workshop was aimed at empowering lawmakers, to protect and promote the rights of women, children and other marginalized groups.

gender equality, observance of human rights and child protection,” Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, said in his address to the participants.

Mulongo called on the women MPs to join hands and fight for the protection of women and children, who are the most vulnerable in society.

“These tenets that we are talking about on issues of gender, child protection and ensuring that the government integrates them into their policies and development plans, will not come on a silver platter. You will have to stand up and fight for them and ensure that they are integrated,” noted the senior AMISOM official.

“When you want to expand the enjoyment of human rights, women are best placed to do this. The Somali woman can play a very important role.

We all know the critical role the Somali woman played during the civil war,” added Mr. Abshir Mohamed Ahmed, the Deputy Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament.

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Meet–and–Greet with the Media

Journalists listen to Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, during a media briefing in Nairobi, Kenya on December 21, 2017.

The SRCC spoke about recent developments on the security front in Somalia and the ongoing transition of national security responsibility from AMISOM to Somali National Security Forces.

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he Head of AMISOM Amb. Francisco Caetano Madeira presided over a well attended media briefing in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi - the hub for regional and international journalists – last December.

While describing 2017 as a hugely successful year in the fight against AlShabaab, the AU Special Representative for Somalia, expressed concern about the bottlenecks impeding Somalia’s transition from the AU multinational force.

Madeira briefed regional and international journalists on achievements realized in 2017, highlighting the

A journalist records Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, during a media briefing held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, is interviewed by a Reuters journalist on the sidelines of a media engagement held in Nairobi, on Deceember 21, 2017.

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successful conclusion of the electoral process that saw the election of a new President, Parliament and Senate, as some of the milestones achieved, as a result of AMISOM’s presence in Somalia.

He stressed the need for additional funding to the AU Mission in 2018 AMISOM, to enable it recover remaining territory under the control of AlShabaab, and enhance the capacity of Somali security forces to take over from AMISOM troops.

“Militarily, subject to logistical support, we are planning elaborate offensive operations mainly in the Jubba valley, Gedo region and Middle Jubba regions which still harbor pockets of AlShabaab militants,” Madeira said.

He also had a word of caution about the uncoordinated training being offered to Somali security forces by different groups. “The training of the army must be synchronized and centered upon a common doctrine and ideology. Currently, there are too many stakeholders involved in the training of security forces, without a harmonized plan as indicated in the operational readiness assessment,” he observed.

He expressed the AU’s commitment to building the capacity of the Somali security forces, to enable them hold fort in all the liberated territories.

The Mission, which is over ten decades old now, is gradually scaling down its military operations, in what is called a “drawdown”. According to the UN Security Council Resolution 2372 (2017), the Federal Government of Somalia will progressively take over AMISOM’s responsibilities.

Focus on Our Troops KENYA:

UN DFS launches new phase of training for African peacekeeping troops

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he UN Department of Field Support (DFS) has launched a new phase of training for African peacekeeping troops focusing on heavy engineering operations, in January.

Twelve troops drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia and Ethiopia, are among trainees undergoing a three-month intensive Training-of-Trainers’ course on the heavy engineering aspects of peacekeeping, at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, on Monday.

Julian Otinkorang, the Deputy Project Manager of the Triangular Partnership Project (TPP) which spearheads the training, said the initiative is aimed at facilitating Africa’s military deployment capabilities by addressing the

gaps in engineering capabilities for African militaries.

170 soldiers nominated by their respective countries

Julian Otinkorang, the Deputy Project Manager of the United Nations Triangular Partnership Project (TPP), addresses participants during the opening of the UN-DFS Triangular Partnership Project, Training of Trainers Course at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi Nairobi, Kenya.

A

MISOM troops from the Kenya Defence Forces, carried out a free medical camp for residents of Busaar town in Somalia in

Brig. Joakim Mwamburi, Kenyan Contingent Commander for Sector 2.

April. The soldiers who attended to children, pregnant women and the elderly, also constructed a madrassa (college for Islamic instruction), for the communities. The beneficiaries of the medical camp, are those affected by a ban by terror group Al-Shabaab, which prohibits communities from receiving medical treatment from troops and international groups. Area residents turned out in large numbers for the free medical camp. The troops will conduct similar exercises across south Somalia.

Participants attend the opening of the UN-DFS Triangular Partnership Project, Training of Trainers Course at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi Nairobi, Kenya.

have so far been trained in engineering plant operations and maintenance, since the UN supported courses began in 2015.

Past beneficiaries of the training, which teaches heavy engineering operations critical in peacekeeping missions, include 11 troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), 60 soldiers from Kenya, 10 from Rwanda, 9 Ugandans and 7 Ghanaians.

Ethiopia is a new addition to this year’s training.

Kenya has been providing the training facility for the TPP

courses, undertaken through a collaborative effort between the UN, governments of Switzerland, Japan and other African Troop Contributing Countries. Through the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), HPSS has maintained a collaborative cooperation with the UN and government of Switzerland in research, training and capacity building of troops. Through the project, soldiers get various skills, including erecting and maintaining airstrips, clearing fields, campsite preparation and repair of runways, it is open to the whole of Africa.

AMISOM troops and villagers stand outside a newly built madrassa in Busaar town. The Kenyan troops also held a free medical camp in aid of the residents.

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Focus on Our Troops BURUNDI:

Troops Open Mogadishu-Jowhar MSR

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t was a huge relief for users of the Mogadishu-Jowhar Main Supply Route (MSR), after AMISOM troops in Sector 5 cleared the way, to allow for the free movement of people.

The Burundian troops captured the locality of Goroley, located between Balcad and Garsaal, which Al-Shabaab had been using as cover to lay ambushes on that road. An operation to free that area was conducted between 5th to 9th April 2018.

According to Major Nigaba Theodore, the troops will keep the MSR under

close watch to guarantee free movement of populations, and ensure the safety of all road users, including supply convoys.

Major Chatière Nyandwi, the commander of the 43rd battalion, said the troops encountered minimal resistance in the capture of Goroley. He promised the Middle Shabelle administration and the population at large that the troops will work hand in hand with them to fight the terrorists who have been

AMISOM Troops from the Burundi contingent in Sector 5 patrol the Mogadishu - Jowhar Main Supply Route after successfully clearing the road, allowing movement of persons and relief supplies.

laying ambushes on the road. The middle Shabelle administration rewarded the

troops with two cows, as a sign of gratitude for the job well done.

Two Battalions from Burundi Complete Tour of Duty

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urundi’s 40th and 41st battalions completed their tour of duty, after an impressive record on the front line. The troops achieved significant results in operations, civil-military cooperation, and capacity building of their Somali counterparts.

“We conducted liaison patrols to make sure that the enemy is eliminated from our Forward Operating Bases. We protected, on a daily basis, the Main Supply Routes so that our convoys,

and the populations are able to move freely,” said Major Ladisłas Singirankabo, the outgoing commanding officer of the 40th Battalion. Major Singirankabo completed his tour of duty in March.

The highlights of the troops in Sector 5, include securing the presidential election and the inauguration of the president of the HirShabelle state in October 2017. The troops successfully repelled several attacks on their positions in Bio Caddle and Mir Tiqwo, and have

intervened on numerous occasions, and come to the rescue of the local population, who faced threats from Al-Shabaab insurgents. The battalions, in collaboration with the SNA, also participated in an operation called “Push Ahead” in Gololey, which involved securing and clearing the vicinity of the road leading to the Jowhar Air Field, where the enemy on occasions laid ambushes.

Major Zénon Ntisinzira, commander of the 41st Battalion said troops under

his watch organized football competitions with local teams to enhance the cooperation between the troops and the local communities. The troops also secured Cadale, Raga cell and Xaaji-Cali, provided security to humanitarian organizations distributing aid, and organized combat patrols. In addition to that, the troops provide a continuous supply of clean drinking water to the communities and hold free medical camps to benefit needy communities.

Skilling Local Security Forces in HirShabelle State

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n March, AMISOM in partnership with UNMAS (UN Mine Action Service) trained the HirShabelle State police officers on how to counter use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The training carried out at Johwar Air Field was organized by UNMAS in collaboration with the Sector 5 troops.

“The Al-Shabaab, having lost several strategic cities and villages, have A group photo of the participants of the IED workshop in Jowhar. The workshop was become weak and have organized for Somali security forces in HirShabelle state. adopted tactics and techniques of insurgency, we are supposed to protect, said Brigadier General Victor by planting improvised the impact on our equipment Nduwumukiza, the sector 5 explosive devices on the MSRs and on our troops,” he posed, commander. in order to spread terror among while emphasizing the need “Imagine the impact of the innocent population”, IEDs on the Somali population for the troops to work together

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with the Somali security forces to eliminate the IED menace.

“The training will build the capacity of the Somali security forces to have the same understanding of the normative operations and procedures of the African Union and the United Nations,” the sector commander told participants and guests at the launch of the training programme. The guests included the HirShabelle state Minister of Security and Rehabilitation, who led a delegation of four ministers, their deputies and the Governor of Middle Shabelle, to the official opening of the training.

Focus on Our Troops UGANDA:

Battle Group 21 Rotates Out

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contingent of Ugandan soldiers has been feted by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for distinguished service, at a medal awards ceremony held in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu.

The soldiers, are part of battle group 21 of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces who have completed their tour of duty in Somalia.

The AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics, Maj. Gen. Salvator Harushimana, while commending the outgoing troops, who were under the command of Col. Chris Ogwal, reiterated the commitment of the African Union towards ensuring a safer and stable Somalia. He lauded the troops for performing their duties with diligence.

The Deputy Force Commander said the battle group participated in many operations, ranging from conducting combat operations against the Al-Shabaab to securing the Main Supply Routes, by conducting regular patrols and escorting vehicles

Maj. Gen. Nathan Mugisha, Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, speaks during a medal award ceremony for Ugandan military officers.

carrying humanitarian relief aid.

Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Somalia, Maj. General Nathan Mugisha, who was the chief guest at the medal awards ceremony, called for more investment in social amenities critical for the survival of the Somali population, to help supplement efforts being made by the military to stabilize the country.

The Contingent Commander of Ugandan troops in Somalia, Brig.

Brig. Gen. Paul Lokech, the commander of the Ugandan contingent serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), speaks during a medal award ceremony for Ugandan military officers who completed their one year tour of duty. (INSET) Brig. Gen. Paul Lokech, the commander of the Ugandan contingent serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), pins a medal on an AMISOM military officer during a medal award ceremony.

Major General Salvatore Harushimana, the Deputy Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), hands over a certificate to an AMISOM military officer during a medal award ceremony in Mogadishu, Somalia.

General Paul Lokech, applauded the outgoing troops for their selfless service commitment to secure the Horn of Africa country. “You have shown the international world that Africa can make it possible. When we were coming here in 2007, we were told by the Western media that this mission would fail on arrival; but today, its 10 years and we are still moving forward, carrying the flag of the African mission, and carrying the flag of Uganda,” he said. Brig. Lokech also paid tribute to fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the quest for peace in Somalia saying they will forever be remembered for their bravery. “To all our comrades who died in combat, they died for a purpose and we shall never, ever forget them,” he said.

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Focus on Our Troops ETHIOPIA:

Troops in Sector 3 donate food to local residents

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MISOM troops in Sector 3 shared some of their food rations with the local communities in Ali Salamey center in Baidoa on March 19.

Due to the worsening drought situation in Baidoa and its environs, the Ethiopian National

Defense Forces (ENDF) troops empathized with less fortunate people and responded to their plight by donating foodstuffs to those in desperate need of food.

110 needy families including people with disabilities and mothers, benefited from the food donation drive.

Residents of Baidoa, Somalia wait to receive food items donated by Ethiopian troops.

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Troops offload food items donated by Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), to the local community in Baidoa, Somalia.

AMISOM troops in Baidoa have in the past carried out similar donations to benefit local communities who live in close proximity to their camps. The troops’ response to the plight of communities in the South

West state has enhanced their relations with populations in the region. Local aid agencies followed suit with additional aid relief. The communities expressed gratitude at the kind gesture by the troops.

Residents of Baidoa, Somalia receive food items donated by Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Focus on Our Troops DJIBOUTI:

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ighlights of activities in AMISOM Sector 4 – where the Djibouti contingent holds fort, included EOD training conducted by UNMAS which is still ongoing and foot patrol within 5km radius west of Belet Weyne airport. The Djibouti contingent recently repelled and destroyed

17 mortars and 12.7mm ammunitions at Aden Garab, southwest of Orahsan.

The contingent also carried out motorized patrols in Kalabeir area, located 15km northeast of Belet Weyne, and conducted patrols in the north of Belet Weyne. Most recently, they carried out the following activities.

 April 3, 2018 – Backed Somali forces and took control of several villages in Hiraan region.  April 3, 2018 - The troops re-opened roads linking several towns in Hiraan region. Hiraan Governor, Ali Jeyte Osman witnessed the opening of the roads.

 April 3, 2018 - the forces recovered weapons, a vehicle and medical supplies from Al-Shabaab after fierce fighting with the militants.  AMISOM recaptured villages in Hees, and Ali Fanah in Hiraan in an operation led by Hiraan Governor Ali Jeyte.

PHOTOS: AMISOM troops from the Djibouti contingent with their Somali counterparts conduct patrols in Hiiraan region. The patrols yielded fruit, with the arrest of Al-Shabaab militants and the recovery of weapons.

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Sierra Leone Deploys Largest Police Contingent to Somalia

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ierra Leone deployed 160 police officers in Somalia in April, the country’s largest ever police contingent to the Horn of Africa country, in response to the United Nations Security Council Resolution adopted in 2017, which approved an increase to a maximum of 1,040, in the number of police officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The additional officers will start supporting their Somali counterparts in keeping law and order in the outstations of the Jubbaland Administration.

The group was part of a surge capacity aimed at boosting the number of AU police officers who are training and mentoring Somali police officers, to ready them for security responsibilities, such as maintaining law and order in recovered areas.

“Their coming is going to be a boost to the Jubbaland State Police Force. In 2016, we trained 600 police officers in Jubbaland and the Sierra Leone FPU (Formed Police Unit), will help them build and empower their policing operations,” said Ms. Christine Alalo, the Acting AMISOM Police Commissioner.

She expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leonean government for deploying the extra officers to help with the stabilization efforts. According to Ms. Alalo, the FPU officers will play a critical role in ensuring improved security in liberated areas.

The core duties of the police officers include; public order management, protection of facilities and support to police operations that require concerted response.

The arrival of the contingent is good news to AMISOM’s efforts to enhance

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Abilu Martin Ernest, AMISOM Police Coordinating Officer for Jubbaland State of Somalia, addresses newly deployed Sierra Leonean Formed Police Unit (FPU) officers upon their arrival at Kismaayo Airport.

the capacity of the Somali Police Force, as it will enable the Mission expand its operations in the Federal Member States.

AMISOM is committed to redoubling its efforts to train and recruit more Somali police officers during the transition period as it prepares to hand over security responsibilities to the

Somali security forces as stipulated in the UN Security Council Resolution.

“We are moving away from Mogadishu. We are going into the regional states, deep into the districts and we need them because they will be helping us with movement and other operations,” Alalo noted.

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Darwish Militia Integration

MISOM commenced the biometric registration exercise of the Darwish militia in Jubbaland state, in March, before their intergration into the state’s security forces.

Over five-thousand members of the militia group in Gedo, Lower Juba and Middle Juba regions are targeted in this exercise. The biometric registration entails the collection of key personal data including photographs and fingerprints of each member of the group.

“This is in line with the AMISOM and UN

programme, which is aimed at developing the force into a police force in Jubbaland that will be mandated to keep law, order and security in the state,” Martin Abili, the AMISOM Police Coordinator in Kismayo explained.

Abili said the militia will be integrated either into the Jubbaland state’s police force, the paramilitary or the Somali National Army.

The exercise, which supports the development and strengthening of Somalia’s national security institutions, is part of the security sector reform, which

is viewed as a central priority for the Federal Government of Somalia and its partners, as set out in the landmark political agreement by Somali leaders on the National Security Architecture in April 2017, and the launch of the Security Pact at the London Somalia Conference on 11 May 2017.

Mr. Adan Yusuf Sala, the Director General of Jubbaland’s Ministry of Security lauded the cooperation between AMISOM and Jubbaland state in the realization of this milestone.

The Jubbaland Force Commander Brigadier General Adan Mohamud Ibrahim described the exercise as “critical” for the region. “We are ready to avail all the troops everywhere, so that they will be registered,” he stated.

He called on AMISOM, the UN and other partners to continue supporting them in the completion of the Operational Readiness Assessments, which is an essential component for ‘rightsizing’ and reforming the Somalia National Army (SNA) and the Somali Police Force.

Personnel of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Police Component carry out registration of the Darwish forces to integrate them into the Jubbaland state security forces in Kismayo, Somalia.

AMISOM Intensifies Training of Somali Police Officers

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MISOM intensified the training and mentorship of Somali police officers, to enable them assume more security responsibilities in line with the UN Security Council Resolution, passed last August, which mandates the AU Mission to commence a phased and conditionsbased transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces.

The Deputy Head of AMISOM Simon Mulongo, said the capacity of the Somali Police would be raised to internationally acceptable standards. “This year is going to see more intensified training, more intensified mentoring of those who are there (Somali Police Force officers) and that means recruitment, training and forming the core group that

AMISOM’s DSRCC, Simon Mulongo, awards a certificate during a medal ceremony to mark the departure of the Nigerian contingent of police officers on January 6, 2018, in Mogadishu, Somalia.

will see the police leap from the current stage to a higher one,” he stated, during a medal awards ceremony held in January, in honor of a group of Nigerian police officers, who had completed their tour of duty in Somalia.

“We are looking at the age, how old are they; the training,

how much training and which type of training and the numbers, the physical presence itself. We are looking at the equipment that they have, the logistics, command and control and the facilities that they have there,” Mulongo explained.

He lauded the Nigerian Formed Police Unit (FPU)

under the command of Uba Shehu, for its distinguished service and contribution to Somalia’s stabilization.

The AMISOM Police Chief of Staff, Rex Dundun, and the AMISOM Police Coordinator for Operations, Daniel Ali Gwambal, also thanked the officers for their high level of professionalism and diligence to duty.

Nigeria contributes to the AU Mission, officers from the Formed Police Units (FPU) and Individual Police Officers (IPOs).

While the FPUs provide the Somali Police Force with operational support, the IPOs train, mentor and advice the officers. Their activities in Somalia include law and public order management, mentoring Somali police officers, provision of escorts and close protection.

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AMISOM Trains Humanitarian Partners

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he African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) carried out humanitarian facilitation training in Jowhar and Beletweyne, in HirShabelle state, for civilian partners and uniformed personnel.

The training aimed at familiarizing them with the Somalia Country Specific Humanitarian Civil-Military Guidelines, which guides the interaction between partners and the Mission.

“Humanitarian challenges call for increased coordination and dialogue between AMISOM and partners operating in the recovered areas,” said Abdul Diabagate, AMISOM’s Senior Humanitarian Liaison Officer, during the highly interactive sessions.

Diabagate expressed the need to increase humanitarian facilitation activities and interaction with communities in areas undergoing acute crises and natural disasters.

The training aimed at fostering partnerships between AMISOM civilian liaison officers and the partners, also sensitized participants on the importance of observing the International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian principles and International Refugee Law.

Abdul Diagabate, AMISOM’s Senior Humanitarian Liaison Officer addresses civilian partners during the humanitarian facilitation training in Jowhar.

Diabagate emphasized the need to foster greater coordination between the Mission, state authorities and partners, in the area of humanitarian facilitation.

During the training, AMISOM shared the 2017 Somalia Civil-Military Working Group Report, which was launched last September. The report details the working

group’s achievements, best practices and strategic partnerships that contributed to the alleviation of suffering amongst drought affected populations and displaced civilians.

The next training for uniformed personnel will take place next week in Belet Weyne, Hirshabelle.

A section of civilian partners participating in the humanitarian facilitation training organized by AMISOM in Jowhar.

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HirShabelle MPs Sharpen Skills on Parliamentary Procedures

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orty-two members of the HirShabelle regional assembly, converged on Kenya’s capital city Nairobi in March, for a capacity building workshop on the role and functions of parliament, House procedures, drafting legislation and the role of oversight committees of Parliament.

As part of the learning experience, the MPs visited county assemblies in Nairobi and neighbouring Machakos county, to interact with their Kenyan counterparts, and hone their skills in parliamentary debate.

The training and visits to Kenya’s foremost county assemblies exposed the MPs to parliamentary best practices, while at the same time providing the 42 legislators who are members of legislative and oversight committees, with knowledge and firsthand experience in managing parliamentary business.

The capacity building workshop was organized by AMISOM, as part of the Mission’s efforts to enhance the capacities of regional assemblies in Federal Member States.

“We have a responsibility as AMISOM to ensure that institutions of Somalia are enabled, capacitated and made to run.

Having the HirShabelle Parliament people visit here, meets this requirement of having the Speaker and his team work together with those of Nairobi County. We intend to also visit Machakos County, where we will also practice with the HirShabelle assembly members on matters of legislation, committee work and actually see how professional sessions are going on in both counties,” said Dr. Opiyo Ododa, AMISOM’s Head of Stabilization and Early Recovery Programme.

HirShabelle is one of the five Federal Member States of Somalia and the second regional assembly to tour Kenya, after a similar visit by members of the Jubbaland State Assembly in March last year.

Speaker Sheikh Osman Bare Mohamed, pleaded with the African Union Peace-keeping Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), to organize more workshops of a similar nature, to empower more MPs. “AMISOM works with us to nurture us into a powerful tool,

and supports us in peace-building efforts, so that we can eradiate AlShabaab,” the Speaker noted.

Through its Stabilization Programme, AMISOM has in the past supported the training of legislators from other Federal Member States, on legislative and oversight parliamentary functions, as part of its mandate, to help build democratically sound institutions, alongside securing the country, to allow reconstruction and state building to continue.

This training therefore, builds on the ongoing processes, aimed at consolidating the gains achieved on the security and political fronts and will empower the state MPs to make weighty decisions that benefit their people back home.

Dr. Opiyo further noted that areas requiring urgent legislation in Somalia’s youngest state included laws to protect the environment and deal with the effects of drought. He challenged the MPs to provide speedy solutions to the urgent challenges affecting their electorate. “AMISOM will walk with you in this journey,” Dr. Opiyo assured the MPs. “Take advantage of this training and when you go back, you become a formidable parliament,” advised Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Head of AMISOM, at the end of the sixday workshop.

Hon. Aden Duale, the Majority Leader in Kenya’s National Assembly, also addressed the MPs on the last day of the workshop, urging them to give “chances to women” to contribute to nation building. He called on the legislators to apply the lessons learned in the workshop, to generate ideas that would strengthen the capacity and democracy in their state and in Somalia as a whole.

“There’s need for enhancing the capacity of the Regional States in the Federal Government of Somalia and this is crucial in consolidating the gains made

by Somalia after more than two decades of conflict,” Duale said, while promising the Kenyan parliament’s willingness to help Somalia’s legislative institutions in capacity building and benchmarking.

MPs from HirShabelle state of Somalia follow parliamentary proceedings at the Machakos County Assembly in Kenya.

MPs from HirShabelle state of Somalia are entertained by dancers outside the Machakos County Assembly.

The Majority Leader in the Kenyan Parliament, Adan Duale (left) presents a certificate to Sheikh Osman Bare Mohamed (second from left), the Speaker of the HirShabelle State Assembly during the closing ceremony of the capacity buidling workshop for members of the HirShabelle State Assembly held at the Stanley Sarova Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Looking on is Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Dr. Opiyo Ododa, the AMISOM Head of Stabilisation and Early Recovery Programme and Fadil Karrar (right), the AMISOM Civil Affairs Officer.

Sheikh Osman Bare Mohamed, the Speaker of the HirShabelle State Assembly addresses participants during the closing ceremony of the AMISOM capacity buidling workshop for MPs, held in Nairobi, Kenya on 29 March 2018.

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The Golden

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Shaima Sallaal Mohamed, the CEO of the Golden Girls Football Club interacts with the players after a training session in Mogadishu, Somalia.

group of young women are breaking cultural barriers in Somalia, with an all-women football academy.

The brainchild of the academy is 24-year-old, Shaima Sallal, who also doubles up as the Chief Executive of the “Golden Girls Sports Centre”. Shaima says putting together a team and forming the academy was an arduous task.

“In 2015, I wanted to start my own team but it was not possible since the country wasn’t safe. In 2017, last year, (I) decided to pursue my dream and goals. I came up with a strategic plan on how to (form) a football team. I managed to open an NGO (to) support me in empowering girls by enrolling them into sports,” Shaima explains.

Despite the challenges, she managed to convince four girls to join her academy last year. Fast forward to 2018, the team has grown exponentially and currently has 30 active members.

In a country where Islamist extremist group Al-Shabaab banned women sports, Shaima and the team of girls that make “Golden Girls Sports Centre”, operate with caution, lest the Al-Shabaab sympathizers find them offensive. What drives Shaima and her team members, is her passion for the sport.

“Football is my life, my dream, my hope, my everything.

I started playing football when I was young. It was hard to find female professional footballers. So I decided to spot talent and train them,” she says.

Golden Girls Football Club players in a group photo after a training session in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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Girls of Women’s Soccer The Golden Girls CEO grew up in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, where her love for football began. Shaima says neighbours raised eyebrows, every time she engaged her male colleagues in a game of soccer. Her biggest support group, she adds, was the group of boys she grew up with.

“They encouraged me a lot. When I was starting this, I started with boys. I did not start with girls,” she quips.

Mohamed Sharif, the founder of Somali Hope Restoration Organization (SOHRO), who works closely with Shaima’s football academy, is one of her biggest supporters. “It is heartwarming to see Somali girls coming out to play football for the first time. This motivates us to continue working with them and encourage them too pursue their dreams,” says Mohamed.

Football enjoys a huge following across Somalia. The country’s men’s football league is thriving; many Somali male footballers are turning to professional football and looking for better opportunities outside the country.

Shaima believes there is a good opportunity to elevate women soccer in Somalia to much higher levels.

With a little more push, women’s football which is quickly gaining popularity in the country, may just be as prestigious and as popular as men’s football, if women’s football teams received adequate backing.

AMISOM is committed to ensuring the prevailing stability is sustained to enable young women such as Shaima, her team mates and other youths to enjoy football and other sporting activities unhindered.

Golden Girls Football Club players during a training session in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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