Military staff officers serving in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have been awarded medals for their outstanding contribution to the restoration of peace and security in Somalia.
The 58 officers, working at the Mission’s Force Headquarters, were honored at a ceremony held in Mogadishu on Tuesday, presided over by the AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Tigabu Yilma Wondimhunegn.
Lt. Gen. Tigabu commended the officers for their commitment and service to Somalia.
“Because of you, the people of Somalia and the Somali government are able to enjoy peace and security, not only in Mogadishu but in other parts of the country,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Tigabu, who was joined by the AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Operations and Plans, Gen. Nakibus Lakara, noted that AMISOM troops were in the process of securing population centres and main supply routes (MSRs) to prevent Al-Shabaab militants from targeting the local population.
Protection of population centres and MSRs are some of the key priorities of AMISOM, as it continues to implement the Somali Transition Plan.
The two strategic objectives being implemented by AMISOM troops and the Somali National Army (SNA) are in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2431 of 2018; the Somali Transition Plan (STP) and the AMISOM Concept of Operations (CONOPs).
AMISOM officers who serve more than six months at the Force Headquarters as staff officers are normally awarded African Union medals in appreciation of their work.
At the same event, the Force Commander received a trophy won by the Force Headquarters team in a volleyball tournament organised by AMISOM as part of Africa Day celebrations.
