“Resource thin conditions” are not preventing the African Union (AU) peace mission in Somalia from supporting the country’s government in efforts to degrade al-Shabaab and its affiliates, as per one of its mandate points.
Ambassador Mouktar Osman Kaire, AUSSOM (AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia) Deputy Head, used the phrase “resource thin” when he called on the Jazeera 11 forward operating base (FOB) as part of a familiarisation visit last week (8 January). He told Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battle Group 45 and personnel from the Nigerian formed police unit their “sacrifices, dedication and commitment to Somalia and the continent” are appreciated. This was in view of the difficulties, complexities and lack of resources faced by AUSSOM troop contributing countries (TCCs).
The ambassador pointed out the Ugandan soldiers and Nigerian police officers are part of a unique mission – “the first and only led and operated entirely by Africans”.
Part of efforts to improve the military skills of Somali Security Forces (SSF) personnel saw a week-long route search and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) course at AUSSOM Kismayo sector headquarters with UPDF Battle Group 45 leadership re-affirming its commitment to strengthen joint operations with the SSF.
The Kismayo course, the first of four, saw 16 SSF personnel equipped with route search and counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) skills imparted by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) specialist EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) soldiers. Relevant, hands-on training aligned with on-the-ground realities will not be limited to the 16 who will serve as trainers of trainers for other SSF personnel supporting further skills transfer, as per a KDF statement.
The C-IED course is part of broader effort to counter the threat of IEDs. It is designed to build practical skills in detecting, identifying and safely responding to IEDs along key supply routes. By strengthening these capabilities the course helps reduce risks to security personnel and civilians, improves freedom of movement and supports overall stability operations in the Kismayo sector.
UPDF Battle Group 45 Commander, Colonel Justus Musenene, met senior Somali security representatives at its Barawe headquarters with co-operation to counter “the evolving tactics” of al-Shabaab topping the agenda.
He told the meeting joint efforts “remain critical to sustain security gains in the region” adding close co-ordination and unity of effort were essential to defeat the enemy.
