AMISOM, Somali commanders to enhance coordination in operations

Senior military officers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), attend the opening session of AMISOM sector commanders’ conference in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Mogadishu - On 07 July 2019, AMISOM contingent commanders concluded a meeting during which they resolved to enhance coordination with the Somali security forces to implement the Somali Transition Plan.

The commanders, along with their Somali counterparts, met over three days in Mogadishu to evaluate progress made in implementing the mission’s Concept of Operations (CONOPs).

During the meeting, the commanders also discussed the operational readiness of the Somali security forces, which is crucial to the successful implementation of the Somali Transition Plan. Under the transition plan, AMISOM will transfer

Senior military officers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Somali National Army (SNA), and international partners attend the closing session of AMISOM sector commanders’ conference in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, senior military officers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali National Army (SNA), attend the opening session of the sector commanders’ conference in Mogadishu, Somalia.

security responsibility to Somali security forces ahead of AMISOM’s anticipated exit in 2021. Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, commended the Somali security forces for carrying out offensives to liberate Sabiid, Anole and Bariire, in Lower Shabelle region.

He also hailed as significant, the commencement of integrating Ahlu Sunna forces into the country’s security forces.

“This commitment shows that Somalia wants to move forward despite existing challenges. The work of their national forces deserves increased support,” Ambassador Madeira noted.

He also commended the federal government and international partners for supporting AMISOM to fulfil its mandate. “I recognise the role our partners are playing in training and creating the conditions necessary for operations to take place. We are implementing the Somali Transition Plan and the AMISOM exit strategy. The progress made so far indicates that we are on track in executing our mandate,” he remarked.

At the opening of the meeting, Lt. Gen. Tigabu Yilma Wondimhunegn, the AMISOM Force Commander, attributed the success in operations to enhanced coordination between AMISOM, Somali security forces and international partners.

Lt. Gen. Tigabu noted that joint operations in the Lower Shabelle region had positively impacted on the security in Mogadishu city. “It has significantly reduced incidents of Improvised Explosive Devices explosions and mortar attacks, which Mogadishu had been experiencing,” Lt. Gen. Tigabu remarked.