The Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Sunday awarded medals and certificates to 34 Staff Officers serving at the Force’s Headquarters in Mogadishu, for their contribution in helping the mission achieve its mandate of restoring peace and stability in Somalia.
The officers were decorated at a function presided over by the Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Tigabu Yilma, who commended them for their dedication and selfless service towards the restoration of peace, security and stability in the country.
Among those honored at a colourful function held in Mogadishu were officers from the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UK MST), Benin, Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“You are the mainstay of this mission. Your efforts have contributed to success on the ground” said Lt. Gen. Yilma said.
Gen. Yilma noted that the officers through their dedication had made profound impact towards the mission achieving its mandate, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists, and by so doing transforming the lives of the Somali people.
“As per AMISOM’s Concept of Operations, we have to clear main supply routes and secure populations centers. The two are intertwined and I am glad that with your support we have been doing that” Gen. Yilma stated.
The Staff Officers, Gen. Yilma noted, had contributed to the capture of areas under the control of Al-Shabaab militants, with four towns in Lower Shabelle region liberated this year alone. In March, AMISOM forces in joint operations with the Somali National Army captured the strategic bride town of Sabiid Anole and subsequently Bariire, El Salin and Awdheegle. Gen. Yilma expressed optimism that more areas would soon be liberated from the terrorists.
